The most dignified gesture to pay respect to higher authority?

LilTV1155

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I have heard of bowing, prostrating, curtsying, kneeling. and hand kissing.

But what is according to your opinion the most dignified gesture or sign of respect a person can demonstrate or show to another of higher authority or power?

However that crane yoga stance from Hoodwink Alien and Bookworm Ascendance is a no go cause no one can just stand on one foot with arms out and not lose their balance as a prayer or a gesture to respect. Hard to not laugh it off.
 

Jemini

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In the ancient world, the highest gesture of respect was to wash someone's feet. In a time before closed-top shoes when it was only sandals or even bare-feet, this would be considered a common gesture. Generally, it would be considered a servant's task. As such, it is a little demeaning to the person doing it. At the same time though, it is not completely undignified and is a way to show ultimate subservience. (Thus the reason for the scene in the bible where Jesus washes his disciples' feet being taken as such a big deal.)

Really, any of the gestures you listed could be good. Just so long as you avoid now highly negatively associated power gestures like the Roman salute and the Red salute, and ridiculous gestures like the afore mentioned crane stance, you are probably pretty good.

The commonality in all except for the military salute is that all of these involve lowering your head to the person you are showing respect to. So, if you are asking about a sign of respect that also preserves the dignity of the person showing it, I guess the military salute qualifies.
 
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LilTV1155

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Will this qualify?

[Characters] dropped to their knees in a kneeling position and bowed forward with two fingers crossed at their chest. They had their forehead pressed against the thumb of their other hand tilted slightly with the open palm facing their left cheek.
 

Internet-Degenerate

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Ai-chan

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I have heard of bowing, prostrating, curtsying, kneeling. and hand kissing.

But what is according to your opinion the most dignified gesture or sign of respect a person can demonstrate or show to another of higher authority or power?

However that crane yoga stance from Hoodwink Alien and Bookworm Ascendance is a no go cause no one can just stand on one foot with arms out and not lose their balance as a prayer or a gesture to respect. Hard to not laugh it off.
Crossing your arm across her chest. It can be one arm or both arms.


 
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