Curtsey

As the Knicks female polite form of the two-sided slight buckling is ( hence the name ) where the knee may expose with a slight tilt of the neck. The Knicks the corresponding male action is the "servant".

History and distribution

The origins of the Knicks probably in the ancient practice to fall as a sign of respect for someone on their knees ( as attested in Homer and Apuleius ). The derived polite form of Knickses, unlike the knee bend, limited to females.

Knicks and "servants" are part of the prevailing European classical repertoire of ceremonial politeness etiquette. Until the 1960s, they were in Germany and Austria widespread practice. While the "servant" has received in the attenuated form as a bow, currently is the Knicks in the width of the society rare, as by little girls towards adults curtsy. In aristocratic circles of the Knicks ( as a " curtsy " ) will be completed towards higher rank, as well as in the ecclesiastical milieu against clergy.

Variants

In the heyday of courtly culture in the 16th and 17th centuries, the Knicks " en avant " were distinguished ( when entering ), "en passant" ( in passing ) and "en arrière " ( Upon leaving ).

Resumption

For several years can be more frequent occasional revivals of Knickses observe, such as (school) theater performances at the final applause or at balls, where the Knicks of young women is more accepted again.

Still common is the Knicks in Asian societies (especially South Korea and Japan). For example, students practice their lecturer against the Knicks, while their male counterparts explicitly bow (instead of the handshake ). In Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, but also in Turkey, the Knicks is connected in special situations with a kiss on the hand, which is to express reverence and gratitude.