14 Secret Handshakes Used by Real Societies
Throughout history, secret societies and organizations have used special handshakes as a way to identify members and maintain exclusivity. These aren’t just Hollywood inventions—real groups have developed intricate greeting rituals that serve as passwords in human form.
From ancient brotherhoods to modern fraternal organizations, these handshakes have helped create bonds of trust and recognition among members. The practice of secret handshakes might seem outdated in our digital age, yet many of these traditions continue today.
Here is a list of 14 secret handshakes used by real societies throughout history and into the present day.
Freemasons
The Masonic handshake involves a specific grip where members press their thumb against the knuckle of the other person’s index finger. Different degrees within Freemasonry have their variations—some include subtle finger positions or additional gestures.
This handshake has been so widely discussed that many non-members know about it, though the exact techniques for higher degrees remain closely guarded.
Skull and Bones
Yale’s infamous secret society uses a handshake that reportedly involves interlocking fingers in a particular pattern while maintaining eye contact. Members are said to accompany this with a specific phrase—though the exact words remain unknown to outsiders.
The handshake serves as both identification and a reminder of the oath of secrecy taken by all Bonesmen.
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Knights of Columbus
This Catholic fraternal organization employs a handshake that includes a distinctive thumb placement and grip strength. The handshake varies slightly depending on the degree level within the organization, with higher-ranking members using more complex variations.
Members learn these greetings during their initiation ceremonies—then use them at meetings and social gatherings.
Odd Fellows
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows has several handshakes corresponding to different degrees within their organization. The basic grip involves a specific finger positioning that spells out letters relevant to their motto.
Members often combine the handshake with particular words or phrases that demonstrate their level within the fellowship.
Knights Templar
Modern Knights Templar organizations use handshakes that supposedly trace back to the medieval crusading order. The grip typically involves a firm clasp with the thumb positioned in a specific way against the other person’s hand.
Some variations include a slight twisting motion or additional finger movements—gestures that reference historical Templar symbols.
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Loyal Order of Moose
This fraternal organization teaches members a handshake that includes pressing the thumb in a particular spot while maintaining a specific grip. The gesture often comes with a verbal exchange that helps confirm both parties are legitimate members.
Different lodges sometimes have slight variations, though the core technique remains consistent across the organization.
Ancient Order of Hibernians
This Irish-American fraternal society uses a handshake that incorporates traditional Irish symbolism through finger positioning. Members learn the proper technique during their initiation—then use it to identify fellow members at gatherings.
The handshake often serves as an introduction to longer conversations about Irish heritage and community involvement.
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
The Elks organization teaches a specific handshake that involves a particular grip and thumb placement. Members combine this with a verbal greeting that includes references to the organization’s principles.
The handshake helps create an immediate sense of brotherhood among members who may be meeting for the first time.
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Woodmen of the World
This fraternal benefit society developed a handshake that reflects their connection to forestry and outdoor themes. The grip includes finger positions that supposedly represent branches or natural elements.
Members use this greeting at lodge meetings and social events—reinforcing their shared commitment to mutual aid and community service.
Improved Order of Red Men
Despite the problematic name by modern standards, this organization created handshakes based on their interpretation of Native American customs. The greetings involve specific hand positions and movements that members believe honor indigenous traditions.
Different tribes within the organization have variations—each reflecting their particular focus areas.
Knights of Pythias
This fraternal order uses handshakes that incorporate elements from their founding story about friendship and loyalty. The basic grip involves specific finger placement along with particular pressure points.
Higher-ranking members learn more complex variations that include additional gestures or verbal components.
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Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine
Better known as the Shriners, this organization requires members to first be Masons, so they often know multiple secret handshakes. Their specific Shriner handshake builds upon Masonic traditions while adding elements that reflect their Middle Eastern theme.
The greeting helps identify fellow Shriners at their elaborate social events and charitable functions.
Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
This occult society, popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s, developed handshakes based on their magical and mystical beliefs. The greetings often incorporated specific finger positions meant to channel or represent different energies.
Though the original order disbanded, modern revival groups continue to use variations of these ceremonial handshakes.
Order of the Eastern Star
This organization, which admits both men and women, teaches handshakes that correspond to the five points of their symbolic star. Each point represents a biblical heroine, and the handshakes incorporate gestures that reference these stories.
Members learn different variations depending on their officer positions within local chapters.
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The Handshake Lives On
These secret greetings reveal how humans have always sought ways to create exclusive bonds and identify trusted allies. While some of these organizations have evolved or declined in membership, the fundamental human desire for belonging and recognition continues.
Modern versions of secret handshakes can be found everywhere from sports teams to business networks, proving that this ancient practice adapts remarkably well to contemporary life. The next time you see people greeting each other with an unusually elaborate handshake, you might be witnessing a tradition that stretches back centuries.
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