Concept in Definition ABC

When one or both knees are bent there is a genuflection. This gesture is normally performed as a show of veneration within a religious act or as a formula of I respect before someone of superior category.

In the Christian liturgy

It is a gesture that symbolizes the veneration of God. It is an act of reverence and submission. It is always done with the right knee resting on the ground and at the same time tilting the head. This gesture is executed in different contexts: in the presence of the cross on Good Friday, in front of the relics of a church or in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.

In the presence of images of saints it would not be correct to genuflect. It should be noted that this gesture should not be confused with kneeling.

In Roman civilization and in the vassalage ceremony

The genuflection of Christians is a tradition inherited from Roman culture. The Romans performed it as a show of respect when they were in front of a person who represented the

authority and power. On the other hand, it should be noted that the Romans had different types of greetings depending on the situation and the relationships between people.

In the Middle Ages in Europe the institution of vassalage. The men who lived in a fief (the vassals) promised to respect a noble (the lord). It was about a exchange, since the lord provided safety military through his troops and the vassal could occupy the land of the lord paying him an amount or tithe for the benefits obtained.

To make the commitment made official, the vassalage ceremony was held. In this formal act, the vassal bowed his knee to his lord as a show of respect. Likewise, he presented himself without weapons, with his hands joined and the man took them. At this time both were swearing fidelity.

Curtsy to the queen

Although genuflection has lost the symbolism of other times, today it is still performed in some formal acts in monarchical countries. This type of bow is a form of greeting and, according to protocol experts, it has to be done by slightly bending the knee at the time of the salute and looking straight ahead and not down. On the other hand, this gesture should only be performed by women in the presence of the queen.

This form of greeting generates a certain controversy. For some, it is an old-fashioned formality and one that should go away because it implies submission. Others consider that the genuflection should be interpreted simply as a gesture of courtesy.

Fotolia photos: daniel mauch / anggar3ind

Genuflection Topics