There are many alternatives to the everyday basic
handshake. Many cultures have personalized the handshake
for use within their community. Here are a few.:

As you greet others cross-culturally you should also
remember that some religions, such as Orthodox Judaism
and Islam, prohibit physical contact between men and
women. In these situations follow the lead of the others
around you. In general, men will exchange shakes with other
men and likewise the women with other women. In place of
a shake it is appropriate to give a short nod of your head.
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1. The right hand is extended, thumb up and palm flat.
2. Grasp the other person's hand using a firm grip, palm on
palm.
3. Hands are pumped two or three time in a vertical motion.
4. The grip is released.
The Hand Hug: The "handhug" is a popular type of
handshake often used by politicians. This shake which
involves the covering of the clenched hand shake with the
left hand, communicates warmth, friendship, trust and
honesty.
The Crusher: This painful handshake is a favorite shake of
aggressive people. This shake is said to display confidence
and power. Considered the favorite of those who are overly
The Queen's Fingertips: This handshake greeting is most
commonly observed in male-female encounters. Usually the
female presents her outstretched hand and the recipient
grasps only a few digits of the right hand.
The Please Keep Back: This handshake is usually extended
when one of the parties is not too excited about the
greeting. He or she may feel intruded upon or
inconvenienced and the handshake will communicate the
discomfort.
The "jiveshake" or "black man's shake," is associated with
African-American culture. This handshake is performed by
each person clutching the base of the other person's thumb
and often leaning in to bump opposite shoulders. This shake
is also a familiar greeting amongst men in some Native
American cultures.
Members of the Boy Scouts of America use a left handed
shake, referred to as the 'scout shake.'This was a
convention started by Lord Baden-Powell. Tradition states
that Baden-Powell was impressed by a legend he heard
while he was in West Africa. The story goes that two warring
chiefs desiring peace, confronted one another. One chief
dropped both his weapon and his shield. Not only was his
right hand empty of a weapon leaving him unable to attack,
but his left hand was left empty of a shield and he was thus
unable to defend against the weapons of the other.
Those who practice the sport of fencing traditionally shake
using the non-sworded hand at the conclusion of their bout.
Many secret societies, fraternities and sororities employ
secret handshakes enabling them to identify initiated
brothers and sisters.
Some cultures have a habit of shaking both hands.
In Western culture, handshakes should be firm as weak
handshakes are considered limp and cold.
In European countries such as France and Italy, the norm is
to shake hands every time you meet someone.
In some Muslim countries (such as Turkey or the Arabic-
speaking Middle East), a grip that is too firm is considered
to be rude behavior.
In China, not only are weak handshakes preferred, but the
custom is to hold on for an extended time after the initial
shake.
In Turkey, the casual standard greeting is usually a kiss on
the the cheek twice. In some cultures the handshake may
be concluded by the open palm of the hand being placed on
the heart

as you greet others cross-culturally you should also
remember that some religions, such as Orthodox Judaism
and Islam, prohibit physical contact between men and
women. In these situations follow the lead of the others
around you. In general, men will exchange shakes with other
men and likewise the women with other women. In place of
a shake it is appropriate to give a short nod of your head.

however, it should be noted that in most handshaking cultures, it is not gentlemanly for a male to stretch out his hand to shake a female it is usualy the other way round. irrespecrive of the situation, a lady should be the onee to offer her hand in a "shake me " gesture before the gentleman takes it.

so to all you LEaRNErs in the house : take note

Some men overstep their bounds by scratching or caressing a woman's palm in the guise of handshake which gesture sends the wrong signals to the lady involved. That is why some women turn men's offer of handshakes.

And what do u make of this, i try to shake a ladies hand and she blatantly ignores me in public. Then ladies complain of being ignored, right. VERY FUNNY!

Ajibel: According to Islam, it is wrong to shake a lady, so I was told by scholars ***undecided**

How come in Islam, u people r always being told? Cant u read for urselves?

homesteady:

Ogbeni! I've never heard of that culture oh!

women are supposed to be seen and not heard.

ayili: I wander why women want an equal guy guy hard handshake

I'm also"wandering" with u why any lady wud want a "hard" shake frm a guy.
Lyk seriously,what happened 2 d soft ones uh?

Its based on alfrican culture