How to Bow

Taking a bow is a symbol recognized nearly worldwide. It is a gesture that is used as a form of greeting, as courtesy, to express gratitude, admiration and consent. The act of bowing is a historical gesture, having changed in form, meaning and grace throughout the years. Once used to pay tribute to royalty and to honor rank in the military or within government, bowing has become more a more common sign. A simple, but powerful gesture.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

For Men

1. Move forward to face whomever you are addressing in an organized fashion. Step one foot back as you lean forward into your bow.

2. Place the hand that you favor in front of your body at your waist, arm bent at the elbow. Place your other hand behind your back, rest at your waist and bend your elbow.

3. Bend your body at the waist and lower your head. Small gestures will show acknowledgment or gratitude while often larger gestures (a deeper bend) will show deeper admiration or appreciation.

4. Straighten back up and drop your hands back to your sides. (Repeat if customary.)

5. Take a knee--usually a sign of great respect--by lowering to one knee and still lowering your head, this is usually a gesture of reverence.

For Women

6. Consider that women may also take a bow in the same fashion as a man would (see above); Bend at the waist and lower your head, the deeper the bend the stronger the admiration.

7. Know that curtsying is the female form of expressing respect, thanks and consent. The gesture is made by stepping one foot backward behind the other and dipping at the knees.

8. Bend forward at the waist and lower your head. Still place your favored hand in front of you at the waist and your other hand at your waist behind you.

9. Hold the material slightly out at your side as you bow (both forms) so it doesn't touch the floor as you dip down if wearing a dress or skirt.

Tips & Warnings

• Bowing often varies depending on culture, do some research when traveling to be certain to show proper respect.

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