We are currently in a Leap Year, and February 29 is a Leap Day. And it is not just a day for the calendar to catch up with the earth’s rotation, it has significant social implications. According to an old Irish legend, or possibly history, St Bridget struck a deal with St Patrick to allow women to propose to men – not just the other way around – every 4 years. This is believed to have been introduced to balance the traditional roles of men and women in a similar way to how Leap Day balances the calendar.
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. During the middle ages there were laws governing this tradition.
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.
So watch out eligible bachelors! This could get expensive.
