Why Do Men Get Down on One Knee for Marriage Proposals?

Engagement and wedding traditions keep evolving and changing. Couples now prefer a destination wedding in a breathtaking setting as opposed to one held in a place of worship. Some even pick colored gemstones over traditional diamonds as the center stone for their engagement ring. However, one tradition that still seems to be as popular as it was centuries ago is — getting down on one knee to propose.

Thanks to classic romance books and movies, most women romanticize the idea of being proposed to via this very traditional format by their significant other. But have you ever wondered why this tradition exists? Why does one plummet into an alternate universe of dim lights, fireflies and everything nice on experiencing a bended-knee marriage proposal? Is it just the gesture or is there something more to getting down on one knee?

Intrigued? Read on to know everything about this custom and its relevance in the modern-day.

Why Do Men Kneel When They Propose?

Kneeling to propose is considered a traditional, chivalrous and super romantic gesture. This historical gesture symbolizes honor and respect for your partner. It also tells your S.O. that you’re surrendering yourself to love and are ready to make a pledge and embark on a new journey together.

The History of Proposing on One Knee

There is no clear historical origin of this romantic gesture, but there are a few theories that can be linked to what we now call “getting down on one knee.”

Honor:

The origin of proposing on one knee dates back to medieval times. Literature and artwork from this era show kneeling as a tradition for several ceremonial rituals. Knights bowed before their lords and kings while receiving honors. This also applied to courtship –knights pledged to honor and respect their lovers with the same honor and admiration as that of the kings and queens.

Religion:

Religion may also be somewhat responsible for this tradition. In some faiths, kneeling is appropriate during prayers and other religious rituals. While proposing, getting down on one knee can have the same implication and can be viewed as a sign of respect and devotion towards the partner.

Surrender:

Kneeling was also seen as a gesture of surrendering. Armies kneeled before their conquerors after being defeated. During a proposal, commitment and loyalty can be viewed as a way of surrendering oneself to their partner. If you are planning to pop the question soon, you should know that traditionally knights always went down on their left knee.

To make the long story short, when your partner gets down on one knee with an engagement ring, they’re not only expressing their love and hoping for a ‘yes’ but also using it as a gesture to show respect, honor and lifetime commitment.

Here’s a handy tip: If you aren’t ready for a life-changing commitment at the moment but still want to take your relationship to the next level, a beautiful promise ring is the right choice for you.

Modern Bended Knee Proposals

In this day and age, getting down on one knee is viewed as a sign of committing to your partner with your heart and soul. It can also mean elevating your partner to an important position and giving them the choice to decide the course of the relationship.

Apart from historical, religious and other reasons behind proposing on one knee, here’s a practical one. When one of the partners is kneeling, the engagement ring is in an elevated position, which puts the proposer at the right height to literally ask for their partner’s hand in marriage. It also allows light to hit the ring directly, enhancing the brilliance of the gemstone and drawing focus to the ring, which further highlights its importance as a symbol of commitment.

Alternatives to the Bended-Knee Proposal

If you and your BAE aren’t the traditional types, there are several fun options to nail that proposal without getting down on one knee. All you have to do is keep your partner’s adorable quirks and personality in mind and plan something to make them feel special.

Scroll down for a few creative suggestions…

1. Plan a Treasure Hunt

You can plan a fun treasure hunt for your S.O. at home or around the neighborhood. Leave little clues and riddles that eventually lead to the ‘big question’ and then present your partner with the ring.

3. Make a Personalized Puzzle

If you’ve finally found your missing piece and your partner is the one who completes you, a personalized jigsaw puzzle is a cute way to propose. The puzzle pieces can have the message ‘Will you marry me?’, a picture or any other romantic message that conveys your intentions.

4. Pop Some Bubbly

This one’s a classic. Take your BAE out to a romantic dinner and have the ring placed in the champagne glass. This idea will also work at a picnic if you and your partner are the outdoorsy types. You can also swap the champagne for some sparkling wine!

5. Go Down Memory Lane

We’re sure you and your S.O. have tons of cute pictures and videos together. You can plan a movie night with a twist and put together a montage of all these sweet moments. The last slide could be of you popping the question. Alternatively, you could also put together a memory book or photo album and have your proposal and the ring on the last page, with the promise of more memories to come.

Do Bended-Knee Proposals Only Apply to Men?

While proposing was once considered a grand gesture by men to woo their lady love, times have changed. Women are also taking the initiative to surprise their S.O. with a romantic proposal. If you and your partner’s hearts went aww when Monica proposes to Chandler, you too can take a leaf out of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. After all, men enjoy romance as well.

Regardless of who proposes to whom, it is important to remember that there is no such thing as “the perfect proposal”. In the end, it’s all about love.

More power to couples doing things their own way irrespective of rigid gender roles!