proskynesis

thumb|400px|Moravians performing proskynesis during [[Christian worship in 1735]]

Proskynesis (), also called proscynesis () or proskinesis (; ; ), was a solemn gesture of respect towards gods and people in many societies. Among the Persians, it referred to a man prostrating himself and kissing the hand or the limbs of a respected person. It was also one of the religious rites among both Greeks and Romans.