Why do we get on one knee to propose?
For many people, proposals are supposed to be the kind of romantic whirlwind that you hear about in fairytales. The love of your life gets down on one knee, says a beautiful speech while asking for your hand in marriage – an emotional, memorable, and beautiful occasion.
But, have you ever wondered WHY getting down on one knee to propose happens?
Aside from the fact that it gets you on the sort of level to reach your hand and place the ring on the finger, the tradition of a man (or woman) proposing on one knee goes way back to medieval knights bowing before their noblewomen. Traditionally, once down on one knee, ‘will you marry me’ tends to follow.
The gesture of getting down on one knee to propose can be connected to prayer, submission, and respect! A knight would get down on one knee in front of their lord as a display of obedience and it was a common occurrence in religious ceremonies (in those days marriage and religion where intrinsically linked). Hence why asking for a hand in marriage, getting down on one knee was the natural thing to do and became a tradition that is still popular to this day.
Thankfully, modern times have seen a whole array of different ways to propose and it is not essential that you do get down on one knee. Proposals to your significant other can come in many forms, from a simple gesture at your home to a more extravagant surprise proposal away on holiday.
It is important to note that while getting down on one knee to propose is traditional, and popular, it is NOT essential to propose to the one you love.
