From: nelsonb@aztec.inre.asu.edu (BILL NELSON)
Newsgroups: rec.scouting
Subject: The Scout Handshake
Date: 5 Jan 1995 02:43:18 GMT


The following is what I have compiled so far on the
origins of the Scout Handshake.  If anyone
has a different story, please forward it to me.

"When Colonel Baden-Powell entered the capital city of the Ashanti people 
in 1896 he was met by one of the Chiefs who came to him holding out his 
left hand. B.-P. held out his right in return but the Chief said: "No, in 
my country the bravest of the brave shake with the left hand." So began the 
"left handshake" of the world-wide brotherhood of Scouts."
 
From: The Left Handshake, London, 1949
=========================

The "Canadian Scout Handbook" (Page 29) has the following to say about the
left handshake.

THE SCOUT HANDSHAKE

Did you ever wonder why we shake hands when we meet someone?  Offering
someone our open hand is a gesture of friendship because it shows the other
person that our hand is free of weapons.  But why do Scouts shake hands with
their left hand rather than the right?

Evidently the idea came from a legend B.-P. heard while he was in West
Africa.  Two neighboring tribes were bitter enemies and always at war.  One
of the chiefs decided that the battles were harming both tribes and needed
to stop.

When the opposing armies next confronted each other, the chief who wanted
peace dropped his spear and shield and advanced.  Not only was the chief's
right hand empty of weapons to attack someone else, but his left hand did
not hold a shield he could use to defend himself against the weapons of others.

The defenseless chief said to his enemy, "I come unarmed and hold out my
left hand to you as a sign of friendship and trust.  We are neighbors and
should not live as enemies.  From now on, we wish to live in peace, and we
trust you to do the same and live in peace."

When B.-P. founded Scouts, he thought this gesture of friendship and trust
would be an excellent one for Scouts to use.  The Scout handshake is made
like a right handshake of greeting, except Scouts use their left hands.
Show your friendship by reaching out your left hand and shaking someone
else's hand firmly but warmly.

======================================
When Scouts meet, they greet each other in a special 
way. They shake hands with the left hand! You will 
often see Akela using the left handshake - 
especially when a badge is presented. There is a very 
good reason for using the left handshake.
When Baden-Powell was a soldier in Africa, he saw 
lots of tribal chiefs who carried spears and shields. 
He noticed that it was a sign of great trust to offer 
your left hand when shaking hands. This was 
because you had to put down your shield and yet 
leave the other person with a spear in his hand.

From a British Cub Scout Manual
=======================================
From the Webelos Scout Book (BSA)
  A similar paragraph is in the BSA Boy Scout Handbook

To give the Scout handclasp, use your left hand
instead of the right.  Do not interlock your fingers.
The Scout handclasp is a token of friedship.  That's
why you use your left hand--the one nearest your
heart.

-- 
Bill Nelson, Webelos Den Leader
Eagles Patrol, Pack 878
Tempe District, Grand Canyon Council
Phoenix, Arizona USA  email: nelsonb@aztec.asu.edu