Category: Origin Stories

The high five is a staple of celebratory gestures in sports and beyond, but have you ever wondered where it came from? Prepare to be amazed as we delve into the fascinating details and surprising origins of the high five. This seemingly simple gesture has a surprisingly obscure origin story that's full of intriguing trivia.

A Surprising Origin Story: The Birth of the High Five

According to some accounts, the high five was first performed by two baseball players, Dusty Baker and Glenn Burke, in 1977. After Baker hit his 30th home run of the season, Burke greeted him at home plate with an upraised hand, and Baker slapped it in what would become the first high five. Talk about a historic moment in sports!(ESPN)

However, other sources suggest that the high five actually predates this moment by several decades. Some historians trace the gesture back to the African American community in the 1920s and 30s. During this time, a similar gesture known as the "low five" was popular, in which people slapped hands at waist level. It's possible that the high five evolved from this earlier gesture. Interestingly, the low five had its own cultural significance long before the high five became popular.(Wiki)

The High Five's Rise to Popularity: From Sports to Symbolism

Regardless of its origins, the high five quickly caught on in the sports world and beyond. It became a popular way for athletes to celebrate victories and milestones, and it even spawned variations like the "fist bump" and the "chest bump." High fives were everywhere, from basketball courts to football fields, spreading joy and camaraderie.

More recently, the high five has also become a symbol of support and unity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, healthcare workers and others used the gesture to show appreciation for one another's hard work and dedication. A simple high five became a powerful way to connect and uplift each other during challenging times.

Strange Facts and Trivia About the High Five

Believe it or not, there's a National High Five Day! Celebrated on the third Thursday of April, it's a day dedicated to spreading high five joy. Here are some more fun tidbits about the high five:

  • Weird Fact: The high five has been depicted in numerous movies and TV shows, becoming a cultural icon in its own right.

  • Fun Tidbit: Butler County's Jim Foliano has succeeded in breaking the Guinness World Record for the most high-fives in 24 hours, achieving 15,338 high-fives in a day on June 11, 2023!(Journal-News)

  • Interesting Note: The high five has been studied by psychologists to understand its impact on team performance and morale. High fives can actually boost team spirit!(15five)

The Importance of the High Five

The high five is not just a celebratory gesture; it's a symbol of human connection, unity, and support. Its evolution from a sports gesture to a symbol of appreciation during a global pandemic highlights the power of simple, positive interactions. By learning about the origins and significance of the high five, we can appreciate the small but mighty ways we connect with one another.

Conclusion: Embrace the Power of the High Five

So next time you give someone a high five, remember that you're taking part in a tradition that spans decades and has roots in multiple communities and cultures. It's more than just a gesture; it's a symbol of unity, joy, and human connection. Embrace the power of the high five and spread positivity wherever you go!

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