Hello and Happy Birthday to those born on February 29th, aka Leapers....but why is it known as Leap Year? Well it is believed that due to an extra day added in February every four years we ‘leap’ over the expected day of the week....
But I prefer the romantic tradition of Leap Year, when a woman may propose marriage to a loved one on February 29th.....
When this tradition began is not really known but according to Irish Legend in the 5th century St. Bridget (Brigid) complained to St. Patrick about woman having to wait so long for a man to propose. St. Patrick relented and agreed to allow a woman to propose every four years in February. In this way the traditional roles of men and woman were balanced in the same way as a Leap Day balances the calendar....
St. Brigid
Saint Patrick stained glass window from Cathedral of Christ the Light, Oakland, CA
In 1288 the tradition continued in Scotland when Queen Margaret declared that on February 29 a woman had the right to propose to any man she fancied. Tradition also called for the lady in question to wear a scarlet petticoat while doing so. If a man refused the proposal then he would be given a fine by way of giving a kiss, a silk dress, or a pair of gloves to the rejected lady.....
Imaginary painting of the Maid of Norway, the name Queen Margaret was also known by...
In Denmark if a man refuses a lady’s proposal then he must compensate her with 12 pairs of gloves. The reason being that she can wear them and so hide the embarrassment of not having an engagement ring...
Bad luck is also associated with a Leap Year. In Scotland it is considered unlucky to be born on February 29th. While in Greece it is said to be unlucky for couples to marry during a Leap Year, especially Leap Day...
St. Oswald and Eadnoth
February 29th is also known as St Oswald’s Day, named after an archbishop of York who died on February 29, 992. In other years this saint day is celebrated on February 28th...
How many of you proposed to your loved ones today? And was the answer yes? If not, remember you want compensation in the way of a kiss, a new dress and 12 pairs of gloves.......
Until next time, take care... Hugs Chrissy xx
"Thirty days hath September,
April, June and November;
All the rest have thirty-one
Save February, she alone
Hath eight days and a score
Til leap year gives her one day more."
But I prefer the romantic tradition of Leap Year, when a woman may propose marriage to a loved one on February 29th.....
When this tradition began is not really known but according to Irish Legend in the 5th century St. Bridget (Brigid) complained to St. Patrick about woman having to wait so long for a man to propose. St. Patrick relented and agreed to allow a woman to propose every four years in February. In this way the traditional roles of men and woman were balanced in the same way as a Leap Day balances the calendar....
St. Brigid 
Saint Patrick stained glass window from Cathedral of Christ the Light, Oakland, CA In 1288 the tradition continued in Scotland when Queen Margaret declared that on February 29 a woman had the right to propose to any man she fancied. Tradition also called for the lady in question to wear a scarlet petticoat while doing so. If a man refused the proposal then he would be given a fine by way of giving a kiss, a silk dress, or a pair of gloves to the rejected lady.....
Imaginary painting of the Maid of Norway, the name Queen Margaret was also known by...In Denmark if a man refuses a lady’s proposal then he must compensate her with 12 pairs of gloves. The reason being that she can wear them and so hide the embarrassment of not having an engagement ring...
Bad luck is also associated with a Leap Year. In Scotland it is considered unlucky to be born on February 29th. While in Greece it is said to be unlucky for couples to marry during a Leap Year, especially Leap Day...
St. Oswald and EadnothFebruary 29th is also known as St Oswald’s Day, named after an archbishop of York who died on February 29, 992. In other years this saint day is celebrated on February 28th...
How many of you proposed to your loved ones today? And was the answer yes? If not, remember you want compensation in the way of a kiss, a new dress and 12 pairs of gloves.......
Until next time, take care... Hugs Chrissy xx
"Thirty days hath September,
April, June and November;
All the rest have thirty-one
Save February, she alone
Hath eight days and a score
Til leap year gives her one day more."
