Join FunTrivia for Free: Hourly trivia games, quizzes, community, and more!
Fun Trivia
Ask FunTrivia: Questions and Answers
Answers to 100,000 Fascinating Questions
Welcome to FunTrivia's Question & Answer forum!

Search All Questions


Please cite any factual claims with citation links or references from authoritative sources. Editors continuously recheck submissions and claims.

Archived Questions

Goto Qn #


Who was the president who started shaking hands rather than the tradional bow?

Question #23323. Asked by mel.
Last updated Dec 08 2016.

Senior Moments
Answer has 4 votes
Currently Best Answer
Senior Moments

Answer has 4 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.
President George Washington would bow to guests at presidential receptions to avoid physical contact and the tradition lasted through the presidency of John Adams. Washington would rest one hand on a sword and the other holding a hat to avoid the remote possibility of anyone forcing a handshake. Thomas Jefferson ended the tradition of 'bowing' by shaking hands when greeting people. link http://somethingfornothing.com/thomas-jefferson-was-the-first-president-to-shake-hands-rather-than-bow/

Response last updated by CmdrK on Dec 08 2016.
Oct 16 2002, 9:38 PM
free email trivia FREE! Get a new mixed Fun Trivia quiz each day in your email. It's a fun way to start your day!


arrow Your Email Address:

Sign in or Create Free User ID to participate in the discussion