Scout Handshake
The Scout Handshake
Our Scout salute and handshake are ancient signs of bravery and respect. During the colonial period of our country, many men carried wepons for protection.
Sometimes when they met another, there was an uneasy moment as each man watched the others right hand. If it went to his sword or his gun, there might be a fight.
But if he went for his hat, it was a salute of friendship and respect.
The left handshake comes to us from the Ashanti warriors whom Lord Baden-Powel the founder of Scouting, knew more than a hundred years ago in West Africa.
He saluted them with his right hand, but the Ashanti chiefs offered their left hands and said, "In our land only the bravest of the brave shake hands with there left hand,
because to do so we must drop our shields and our protection."
The Ashanti knew Baden-Powell' bravery because they fought against him and with him and they were proud to offer the left hand of bravery.
When you use the Scout salute and handshake, remember that they are signs of respect and courage.