Every four years we add a day at the end of February to make up for that extra quarter of a day that we revolve around the sun each year. Since Julius Caesar introduced Leap Year over 2000 years ago there have become some fun and interesting customs and traditions that have followed...
Reverse Proposals or 12 Gloves
In an old monastery, most likely on a cold February 28th night, probably over a pint of Guinness, St Brigid struck a deal with St Patrick to allow women to propose to men, instead of the other way around...every four years, that is. Supposedly this was to balance the age old traditional roles of men and women in a similar way to how Leap Day balances the calendar.
However, St Patrick refused (if the man refused the proposal, there were penalties) and he supposedly gave her a silk gown as a, sort-of, apology. This tradition continued with the gift of a kiss, a dress, money, or gloves.
“Bachelors’ Day” proposal failures during the European middle ages within the upper class meant purchasing the woman 12 pairs of gloves to hide the embarrassment of not having an engagement ring on her finger...it effectively became a law.
For the lucky ladies out there needing to protect their successful engagements, don't forget about Wells valuable personal property protection.
Leap Day Babies World Record
People born on February 29 (aka Leaplings, Leap Babies, Leapers, Leepsters) are all invited to join The Honor Society of Leap Year Day Babies.
According to the Guinness Book of Records, the only verified example of a family producing three consecutive generations born on February 29 is that of the Keogh family. Peter Anthony was born in Ireland on a Leap Day in 1940, while his son, Peter Eric, was born in the UK on February 29, 1964. Peter Eric's daughter, Bethany Wealth, was also a Leap Day baby, born in the UK on February 29, 1996.
The Henriksen family from Andenes, Norway currently holds the official record for the most number of children born in one family on leap day. Karin Henriksen gave birth to three children on February 29; her daughter Heidi in 1960 and her sons Olav and Leif-Martin in 1964 and 1968.
Unlucky in Love
No bagpipes willl be playing on February 29th. In the highlands of Scotland, Leap Day was considered as bad as Friday 13th to us in modern times. And whatever you do, don't get married on a Leap Year, let alone on Leap Day if you're Greek. They consider it very unlucky.
St Oswald’s Day
Leap day is also St Oswald’s Day, named after he former archbishop of York, Oswald of Worcester. He died on February 29, 992 while washing the feet of the poor. Soon thereafter miracles were reported at his funeral and his tomb.
If you're among those who find the 29th unlucky, maybe we should develop a special Leap Day Insurance policy to make sure you're covered...otherwise, enjoy the extra day this month!
