thumb|Genuflection on one knee, during a Catholic Mass
Genuflection or genuflexion is the act of bending a knee to the ground, as distinguished from kneeling which more strictly involves both knees. From early times, it has been a gesture of deep respect for a superior. Today, the gesture is common in the Christian religious practices of Anglicanism, In Western culture:
- one genuflects on the left knee to a human dignitary, whether ecclesiastical or civil;
- in Christian churches and chapels, one genuflects on the right knee when the Sacrament is not exposed but in a tabernacle or veiled.
Conversely, one kneels with both knees if the Sacrament is exposed.
History
thumb|Traditionally, [[marriage proposals use genuflection]]
In 328 BC, Alexander the Great introduced into his court-etiquette some form of genuflection already in use in Persia, a modification to the tradition of Proskynesis. In the Byzantine Empire even senators were required to genuflect to the emperor. In medieval Europe, one demonstrated respect for a king or noble by going down on the left knee, often remaining there until told to rise. It is traditionally often performed in western cultures by a man making a proposal of marriage. This is done on the left knee.
The custom of genuflecting, as a sign of respect and even of service, arose out of the honor given to medieval kings. In modern times, when the folded flag of a fallen veteran is offered to the family, the presenting officer will go down on his left knee, if the recipient is seated.
During the recitation of Nicene Creed
In Roman Catholic and Evangelical-Lutheran churches, the faithful traditionally genuflect when the following words of the Nicene Creed are affirmed: "by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man." Lutheran priest Larry Beane outlines the theological reason behind genuflecting during the anaphora: