28/02/2024
10 quirky leap year traditions you didn’t know existed, from glove penalties to whale babies...
01
Women, instead of men, can “do” the proposing
In this day and age, women are free to propose to their partner whenever (and however) they choose. For centuries, however, that role was solely reserved for men . . . except on leap day, when women could defy gender roles and get down on one knee for their partner.
Commonly known as Bachelor's Day (and sometimes Ladies' Privilege), the tradition was first conceived in Fifth century Ireland. Legend has it that Saint Bridget once asked Saint Patrick that women be given the opportunity to propose, since men were too slow to do so. Saint Patrick first suggested that women be allowed to propose on one day every seven years. He later settled on every four years thanks to Bridget’s convincing.
Bachelor's Day was well established by the 1800s. Similar traditions also exist in Scotland, Finland and parts of the United Kingdom. By the early 20th century, the tradition had reached the United States, but quickly became a thing of mockery by our patriarchal society. Cartoons poking fun at the concept depicted unmarried women who proposed as aggressive and domineering.
02
Women may don scarlet-hued petticoats
Proposing on such an auspicious day can also come with a specific wardrobe. In Scotland, women who choose to partake in Bachelor's Day shenanigans must wear a red petticoat under their dress. The specific color is believed to capture the attention of a man (after all, red is a pretty sultry color) and ensure great success.
03
Rejecting a leap day proposal, however, may come with penalties
In 1288, Queen Margaret of Scotland passed a law saying that any man who refuses a leap day proposal must pay a fine anywhere between £1 to a silk gown. That being said, the queen was only five years old when the law was supposedly issued, thus making this tale highly questionable . . .
Beyond that, refusing a leap day proposal also comes with several punishments elsewhere in the world. In Denmark, men who'd rather stay single must give the rejected woman 12 pairs of gloves – enough to wear in order to hide the shame that she has no ring to flaunt. In Finland, the men must provide the woman with enough fabric to sew a skirt.
and endless fun.
04
Leap day is considered bad luck in some countries
Greek traditions and lore deem it unlucky to get married during a leap year — especially on leap day — because it is said to end in divorce.
In Scotland, it’s believed that those who are born on leap day will live a life of “untold suffering.” Leap year, in general, is also a doomed year for farmers, considering this old rhyming saying: “Leap year was never a good sheep year.”
As for Germany, another saying goes, "Schaltjahr gleich Kaltjahr." Simply put: leap year will be a cold year.
05
Aging Taiwanese parents get a special meal
In Taiwan, leap years are also pretty unlucky because many believe that elderly parents are more likely to die every four years. Yes, that's grim. To help promote longevity, married daughters must return home during the leap year with pig trotter noodles for her parents. The noodle dish is so delicious that it’s believed to wish aging parents good health and good fortune.
06
A women-only May Day tradition
A longtime tradition in Germany’s Rhineland involves young boys placing a small birch tree adorned with ribbons (also known as a Liebesmaie) on the doorstep of their crush. Taking place on the eve of May Day (April 30), the annual festivities are commonly carried out by boys. During leap years, however, the roles are reversed with only women dancing around the maypole, where in other years men can also participate.
07
“Leapings” get a four-day festival
In February 1988, the town of Anthony, Texas, declared itself “leap year capital of the world” thanks to Mary Ann Brown and Birdie Lewis. Brown and Lewis, who were both born on leap day, proposed a festival to celebrate the unique day. The four-day-long shindig remains a popular attraction today, with folks from all over the world traveling to Texas to enjoy live music, good food and endless fun.
08
Whales are particularly lucky
In Reggio Emilia, a province in northern Italy, a leap year is commonly known as l’ann d’ la baleina or the whale’s year. Italians in this region believe that whales give birth only during leap years.
09
A French satirical newspaper gets published
Called La Bougie du Sapeur (or Sapper’s Candle), the satirical newspaper was first published in 1980, and only publishes once every four years. Despite being the world’s least frequently published newspaper ever, the paper sold an astounding 200,000 copies when it was last published in 2020. The paper is named after an old French comic book character who was born on leap day.
10
There’s a cocktail just for leap year
The cocktail was invented in 1928 by Harry Craddock, a bartender at London's Savoy Hotel. Hailed as the “colorful cousin of the Martini,” the leap day cocktail was created to commemorate the hotel’s Feb. 29 celebrations. It consists of Grand Marnier, sweet vermouth, gin and lemon juice.
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