On bended knee

History of the Marriage Proposal on Bended Knee

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:
Kneeling during prayers and other religious ceremonies, including wedding vows for some faiths.
Kneeling while proposing, then, has the same solemn and spiritual connotation.
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.
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.
Kneeling to genuflect when entering a church or temple.
Again, proposing on bended knee is a sign of respect and spiritualism.

Regardless of the origin, the idea of asking for a loved one’s hand in marriage while partially kneeling is a highly symbolic gesture embodying the very essence of committing one’s life to another: the ideas of goodwill, honor, and trust in that one person is opening themselves completely to another without shame or any physical defenses.

The practical reason behind a bent knee proposal is that it puts the engagement ring in an elevated position between the couple, letting the light hit it clearly without being blocked by both individuals. This highlights the glitter of the ring as well as emphasizing the strength of the commitment.