National Handshake Day is observed worldwide every last Thursday of June, celebrating the handshake as a universal form of greeting and a symbol of respect, equality, and trust. The holiday was founded in 2005 by Miryan Roddy of BRODYpro, a company focused on professional development. The origins of the handshake are unclear, but it may have begun as a gesture to show peaceful intent or symbolize a promise. Customs surrounding handshakes vary by culture; for instance, men are more likely to initiate handshakes than women in many societies, while in conservative Muslim cultures, handshakes between men and women are often discouraged. Celebrations can include learning about handshake etiquette, perfecting one’s handshake, and sharing unique handshakes with friends. Participants are encouraged to post about the day on social media using the hashtags #NationalHandshakeDay and #HandshakeDay.