Why would a man go down on his knee to propose marriage to a woman?

Question

Why doesn't a woman go down on "her" knee to propose marriage to a man?

I would have to have lasting and the most profound respect for a woman to really feel right about going down on one knee to propose.

I believe one of the good books would suggest seeing these issues in the light of three modes signified by certain basic and essential colors namely blue, red and yellow (or base iron, silver and then gold).

The lowest mode would be to go down on one's knee to propose if one is expecting so much sexual and base sense gratification from a woman (such as meat eating and the like).

The middle or second highest mode would be to go down on one's knee before a woman to propose marriage because of her wealth, power, fame and/or social prestige.

The third and highest mode would be to go down on one's knee to propose to a woman due to her having so much and many godly virtues and attributes.

These are just some basic and essential notes. We could break this down into more detail.

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Here is the article in ABOUT.COM that made me curious to ask this question.

Do Drop to One Knee
It's not 1950, but there is something so charming and romantic about a man on one knee asking the love of his life to marry him. Even if you're not a traditional guy, it will add to the seriousness and lovingness of the proposal.
http://weddings.about.com/od/gettingstarted/a/proposaltips.htm

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rainbowsingles/

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/yoga-singles/

Answer 1

its symbolic of showing servitude. that a man considers his wife-to-be his "queen". it is important,symbolically, for the male (who is seen as the stronger and more dominant of the couple) to lower himself physically before his mate in order to show that he is not going to use his superior strength to be above her in the marriage.

Answer 2

There is no clear historical origin of the idea of proposing with a bent knee, but the gesture bears striking resemblance to many other ceremonial situations, including: 1. Kneeling during prayers and other religious ceremonies, including wedding vows for some faiths. * Kneeling while proposing, then, has the same solemn and spiritual connotation. 2. Knights kneeling while being awarded honors from kings and queens. * Offering or accepting a marriage proposal is just as much an honor as any medal or award. 3. Bowing in supplication before a victorious enemy, typically as a gesture of surrender. * Committing to a relationship is surrendering oneself to being part of a couple. 4. Kneeling to genuflect when entering a church or temple. * Again, proposing on bended knee is a sign of respect and spiritualism. ..." On applying some (no doubt unromantic) analysis, the first two "interpretations" seem distasteful. In both cases there is the distinct notion of kneeling to someone you have acknowledged as a superior power.People don't kneel to equals. When was the last time you knelt to your peers (or your manager for that matter)?. If the fourth reason were valid, both parties should kneel. (Going off on a tangent I wonder.. if the roles were reversed, would feminists see this as a "patriarchal custom to oppress women"? They do seem to take umbrage at changing surnames etc). That leaves the third reason - "gesture of surrender to a victorious enemy". Hmmmm.....Interesting.

Answer 3

its all a traditional type thang. Now a days who gives a damn who goes on whose knees for proposals? We all prefere the other to go on their knees for a whole different reason. Ha ha!

Answer 4

its seen as a mark of respect not weakness ---- it shows vulnerability on the part of the male and he is being humble towards the lady.

if a lady chooses to do the same thing then that is her decision --- it does not have the tradition behind it thats all

Answer 5

A mans main characteristics are power and pride. In a marriage the man is to be head of the wife. The one knee approach is his humble way of throwing his life in the hands of her mercy. Instead of showing strength and pride he humbles himself and becomes weak in her presence. In this situation he is giving the power to the woman.

Answer 6

the man would go down on the woman. not down on the knee. are you silly or what?

Answer 7

To look up her dress. It's funny that women usually don't propose. But I bet the one's who have or would might do it...not look up the guys dress, but get down on one knee.

Answer 8

I'm sure some women have gone down on one knee to propose but traditionally men do this. I'm not 100% sure on this but to go down on one knee is to show her respect like she is a queen and you are asking her to come into your life forever.

Answer 9

a man goes down because that is the way we care for you.
a man goes down because he wants to get your sympathy.
why not a woman?
because the guy has the ring.
and the guy should be the one proposing.
it would be awkward if the girl proposes, the guy will feel strange.
and its a custom already.
do not try to go down your knees.
it does not look good for the guy.
his ego will turn him down.

Answer 10

a man goes down on his knees to show the woman that he is ready to and knows how to beg her and kiss her posterior for the rest of his life , just for a few seconds of playtime with her pandoras box !