Four Fun Facts about Leap Day

Feb 29

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Its Leap Day! Here are four fun facts about a day that only happens every four years.

Leap day is one day, every four years, that is added to the month of Febrary in order to balance out our calander. Here are four fun facts about this peculiar day:

1. Traditionally, women propose to men on this day.

February 29th is the one day where women are traditionally expected to propose to men. This tradition dates back to the Irish legend that St. Brigid struck a deal with St. Patrick to allow women to propose to men every four years. The idea behind this tradition is that it provides a balance of gender roles the same way leap days balance the calender.

In some European countries, if a man turns down a proposal they must give the woman 12 pairs of gloves.

2. It hasn't always been on February 29th.

Under Julius Caesar's reign, February had 30 days, but when Caesar Augustus became emperor of Rome he wanted the month named after him , August, to be just as long as the month named after his predecessor, July. So, Caesar Augustus decided to take two days from February and moved them so that July and August both had 31 days.

3. It's not all that lucky.

Many cultures consider leap day (and sometimes Leap Year) as unlucky. In fact, in Greece it is considered unlucky to get married during a leap year.

4. There's a Club.

The chances of being born on Leap day are one in 1,461. These individuals, known as "leapers" or "leaplings", are invited to join The Honor Society of Leap Year Day Babies.