Why do people get down on one knee to propose?

If you're anticipating a proposal and your partner suddenly kneels down, don't panic—check if their shoelace is untied. If it’s not, get ready for a big question: 'Will you marry me?'

The tradition of kneeling to propose likely has deep historical roots, stemming from customs meant to express respect or reverence. As pointed out by MarthaStewart.com, the act of genuflecting (from the Latin for 'bending the knee') has been around for millennia. It might have originated in the Persian Empire, where the way one greeted others often depended on social rank. Greek historian Herodotus noted in 430 BCE that when there was a significant difference in rank, the inferior would lower themselves to the ground.

This system of greeting, called proskynesis, was adopted by Alexander the Great after his conquest of the Persian Empire, although many of his Greek and Macedonian subjects were opposed to it, thinking such gestures should be reserved for deities. As a result, not everyone embraced this practice.

The act of kneeling as a sign of respect would eventually gain popularity both in religious and secular contexts. For instance, Catholics kneel when facing a tabernacle containing the Eucharist (the blessed wafers symbolizing the body of Jesus). Similarly, European knights would often kneel before their commander after a battle, receiving their knighthood with a sword tap.

As Bustle reports, the act of bending the knee may have gained romantic significance during the height of the knights' era. In the 11th century, knights began to develop close relationships with ladies of the court, a practice later known as 'courtly love.'

Though the women were often already married, these relationships were typically non-sexual, but they were serious. Knights pledged to honor and serve their ladies with the same dedication they gave to their lords and kings. A prime example of courtly love is the story of Guinevere and Sir Lancelot, as well as Tristan and Isolde (though both tales involve infidelity).

Although there’s no direct connection between this medieval practice and the modern proposal tradition, many artistic representations of courtly love depict the man kneeling before the woman—a scene that echoes many contemporary engagement photos (minus the armor).

In essence, kneeling has long been a symbol of devotion and humility, qualities that may be useful when asking someone to share their life with you. However, proposing while standing doesn’t break any unwritten rules of engagement etiquette.