| Scout handshake | |||
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 Mexican scouts using the handshake to welcome new members | |||
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The left-handed Scout handshake is a formal way of greeting other Scouts and is used by members of Scout and Guide organizations around the world. The handshake is made with the hand nearest to the heart and is offered as a token of friendship. In most situations, the handshake is made firmly, without interlocking fingers, and many organizations only use this handshake when both people are in uniform. There are some variations of the handshake between national Scouting organizations and also within some program sections.[1]
The 1935 Boy Scout Handbook says that "By agreement of the Scout Leaders throughout the world, Boy Scouts greet Brother Scouts with a warm left hand clasp."
All World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts members share the left handshake, and when meeting other Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, it may be used in conjunction with the Scout sign done with the right hand.[2]
- ^ Hansen, Walter (1985). Der Wolf, der nie schläft: Das abenteuerliche Leben des Lord Baden Powell (in German). Freiburg-Basel-Vienna: Herder. p. 162. ISBN 3451204533.
Gruß, Pfiff und System der kleinen Gruppe; and p. 124, p. 126/27 (Die Krobos:Geheimbund an der Goldküste)
- ^ Foster, Michael (1999). "The Origins of the Left Handshake". Scout History Association. Retrieved 2019-02-15.