According to an old Irish legend, and historically, St Brigid struck a deal with St Patrick to allow women to propose to men every four years to balance the traditional roles of women and men in society. In many European countries, especially in the upper classes of society, tradition dictates that any man who refuses a woman's proposal on February 29 has to buy her 12 pairs of gloves. The intention is that the woman can wear the gloves to hide the embarrassment of not having an engagement ring. And in some places, 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, if he refused a marriage proposal from a woman on Leap Day. This information is all courtesy of www.timeanddate.complaceholder image
According to an old Irish legend, and historically, St Brigid struck a deal with St Patrick to allow women to propose to men every four years to balance the traditional roles of women and men in society. In many European countries, especially in the upper classes of society, tradition dictates that any man who refuses a woman's proposal on February 29 has to buy her 12 pairs of gloves. The intention is that the woman can wear the gloves to hide the embarrassment of not having an engagement ring. And in some places, 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, if he refused a marriage proposal from a woman on Leap Day. This information is all courtesy of www.timeanddate.com

February 29: Here are nine leap year customs, superstitions and traditions

By Phoebe Cox
Published 21st Feb 2024, 12:17 BST

There are many customs, superstitions and traditions surrounding leap years – where February 29 occurs once every four years. How many do you know, and are there any listed that we have not featured?

Leap years are perceived differently by people, as some may revel in the hope of forthcoming good fortune – whereas others may fear a leap year will bring indisputable suffering and failure due to age-old superstitions.

Leap years help keep the 12-month calendar matched with earth's movement around the sun.

After four years, those leftover hours add up to a whole day.

In a leap year, we add this extra day to the month of February, making it 29 days long instead of the usual 28.

This year, February 29 falls on a Thursday, and with that mind, we thought it would be interesting to explore some of the customs, traditions and superstitions surrounding the date.

In 1928, bartender Harry Craddock, while working at the Savoy Hotel in London, decided to create a special cocktail to accompany the hotel’s Leap Day celebrations. The famous cocktail contains gin, Grand Marnier, vermouth and lemon juice.

9. A cocktail for the year

In 1928, bartender Harry Craddock, while working at the Savoy Hotel in London, decided to create a special cocktail to accompany the hotel’s Leap Day celebrations. The famous cocktail contains gin, Grand Marnier, vermouth and lemon juice. Photo: West Nottinghamshire College

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