Why does a person get down on bended knee?

Marriage? Something else? What is the symbolism of doing so?

I've never been engaged or married, or asked a woman to get married, or been to a wedding, so the whole thing is a totally foreign concept and I don't see why the 'bended knee' bit is supposed to be important.

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DrWatson · 70-79, M

Imagine the middle ages, with men wearing swords.

If one man kneels to another, he is making himself vulnerable to being killed. Even if they both drew their swords at that point, the one with (literally) the "upper hand" has the advantage.

So men knelt to signify their obedience to a king. It is a pose of non-aggression.

When a man proposes marriage, the kneeling position represented that same kind of vulnerability. She might pierce his heart with a metaphorical sword if she said no.

zonavar68 · 56-60, M

@DrWatson Many women still do say 'no' apparently, unless they perceive their future partner has lots of money and meets the '666-rule' requirements, etc.