Ever stop and wonder why we do things the way we do? You know, like why we have a specific way of greeting people, why certain foods are considered “holidays,” or even why we use forks instead of, say, tiny spears for dinner? It turns out, a lot of these everyday cultural practices have surprisingly quirky origins, often stemming from historical events you might not immediately connect. Let’s dive into some of these fascinating links between the past and our present-day habits. It’s like finding unexpected family members at a giant, messy reunion – a little weird, a little wonderful, and full of stories. The Humble Beginning of the Handshake You probably shake hands without a second thought. But did you know this common greeting likely originated as a way to show you weren’t holding a weapon? In ancient times, extending an empty hand, palm up, was a sign of peace and trust. It proved you weren’t hiding a dagger or a stone. Over centuries, this...
