My kid asked me a question and I don't know the answer.....

[Fleshdancer]

My daughter just asked my husband and I why men get down on bended knee when proposing for marriage. We have no idea how this custom started and my initial Google attempt was unsuccessful. Does anyone happen to know the answer to this?

[WritingIsMyReligion]

1. {feminism on} Probably the tradition of begging a gentle lady's permission.

Or some other chivalrous, rather sexist nonsense, like asking the girl's father for permission to marry her. I would assume that, anyway. {feminism off}

:P

[TheBaldyMan]

2. because the guy's desperate ? pls. pls, pls, pretty pls.

[photogirl12]

3. Found this

"It has its roots in the days of knights and chivalry, when it was the custom for a knight to bend down on one knee to show servitude to his lover."

on this web site http://www.sharpman.com/Article.asp?ArticleID=741

[Fleshdancer]

6. Thank you Photogirl12

:hi:

[Whoa_Nelly]

4. Found this

The custom of proposing on one knee hearkens back to the days of knighthood and chivalry when it was customary for a knight to dip his knee in a show of servitude to his mistress and his master. The knight would kneel before before a tournament and wait for "his" lady to toss him her ribbon or colors, as an indication of her favor.
http://www.hudsonvalleyweddings.com/guide/customs.htm

So it's about currying favor

[Fleshdancer]

7. thank you Whoa_Nelly

good find! :hi:

[petronius]

5. "Go to your room - you'll get no dessert tonight!"

That's what I tell kids when they ask questions I can't answer... :evilgrin:

[Fleshdancer]

8. ROFL!

I like your style :D

[petronius]

9. Well, to tell the truth I have no children of my own

and when we visit child-having friends, my wife keeps a pretty close eye on me - I don't know why that is... :shrug:

[reyd reid reed]

10. Perfect answer for any and all questions...

"Go ask your dad"

Sadly that one doesn't always work.

:shrug:

[Ptah]

11. Chapter six

:shrug: