“Why do we get down on one knee to propose?”
“Why is it mainly a diamond ring?”
These two traditions are not widely known, and how it all got started is not clear.
The modern kneeling believes to have gotten started back in the Middle Ages with the tradition of Courtly Love. Kneeling represented feudal surrender and admiration. Kneeling in general in European history has been a sign of supplication, humility and servitude.
The engagement ring dates back to the Roman period. Betrothed women were given a gold ring to wear in public and an iron one to wear at home while doing housework.
High priced rings date back to 860 with Pope Nicholas. He attempted to make gold engagement rings legally necessary. He stated that, “men would make a significant monetary sacrifice to take marriage seriously.”
The first recorded engagement ring with diamonds dates back to 1477. The ring was given to Mary of Burgundy from Archduke Maximillian of Austria. The diamonds were in the shape of Mary’s first initial.
Diamond engagement rings really took off in the 1800’s then hit it big in the 1930’s and 40’s with DeBeer Diamonds slogan, “Diamonds are Forever”.
How one proposes and what kind of ring they choose, truly reflects the couple and their personality. All are different and special in their own way. When you know, you know ….. so put a ring on it and live happily ever after!