The Hands, considered in themselves, occupy a central place in Lifestyle etiquette — how they are held, offered, joined, kept still or busy — and in Hand Worship traditions. Many Houses and dynamics carry specific customs concerning the hands.

Hand etiquette has deep roots in courtly and service traditions and has been carried into Leather and BDSM ceremonial vocabulary.

Communities differ in the specific customs they maintain. The Lexicon records the Hands as a widely recognised focus of attention.