February 29 comes only once in 4 years- and so this day has been associated with many traditions, superstitions and customs ever since it was initially introduced by Roman Emperor Julius Caesar.
Ireland:
According to an old Irish legend, St. Brigid and St Patrick had a deal that allowed women to propose to the men they liked – and not just the other way around – once every four years- on February 29 to balance the traditional roles of men and women in a similar way to how leap day balances the calendar.
European Union:
Leap day has been known as “Bachelors’ Day” for the same reason. A man was expected to pay a penalty, such as a gown or money or 12 pairs of gloves, if he refused a marriage proposal from a woman on Leap Day. Especially in the upper classes, tradition dictates that any man who refuses a woman’s proposal on February 29 has to buy her 12 pairs of gloves to hide the embarrassment of not having an engagement ring.
Babies Record:
According to the Guinness Book of Records, there are Leap Day World Record holders of a family having 3 consecutive generations born on February 29 and of the number of children born on February 29 in the same family.
St. Oswald’s Day:
St. Oswald. Archbishop of York dies on February 29, 992. His memorial is celebrated on February 29 during Leap years and on February 28 in common years.
Greece:
It is considered unlucky to be born on February 29; Greeks consider it unlucky to marry in a Leap year, especially on Leap Day
By: Archa Dave
