Marriage proposal

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Classic "one-knee" proposal, ca. 1815

A yellow gold engagement ring set with a diamond, and a white gold wedding ring.

A marriage proposal is an event where one person in a relationship asks for the other's hand in marriage. If accepted, it marks the initiation of engagement. It often has a ritual quality, sometimes involving the presentation of an engagement ring and a formalized asking of a question such as, "Will you marry me?" In western culture, it is traditional for the man to propose to the woman while "kneeling" before her (technically, this is genuflection, not kneeling), and sometimes physically putting the ring on her finger, as opposed to merely giving it to her. Often the proposal is a surprise.

The average duration of preceding courtship varies considerably throughout the world. (See courtship duration.)

In many Western cultures, the tradition has been for the man to propose to the woman. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, 29 February in a leap year is said to be the one day when a woman can propose to her partner. As a monarch, Queen Victoria had to propose to Prince Albert. Finland has the same custom, with the addition that a man rejecting such a proposal was expected to buy his suitor enough cloth for a skirt as compensation. Although still rare, a woman will occasionally propose to a man. Women proposing has reportedly become more common in recent years, with jewelry companies even manufacturing engagement rings for men.^[1]

In many cultures, it is traditional for a groom to ask the bride's father for permission before proposing.

Although it is uncommon in the West, the parents of the couple may make a marriage arrangement, forgoing or superseding the proposal.

References

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