Topical 27/2/24

This year is a leap year. Leap years have 366 days instead of the usual 365 days and occur almost every four years. As February has 28 days another day is added to the month which is called ‘leap day’. The year must be evenly divisible by four. People born on ‘leap day’ are called ‘leaplings’. In Greek tradition, it is considered bad luck to marry on leap day. In several European countries, leap day is traditionally an occasion for women in heterosexual couples to turn the tables and propose to men. Apparently this tradition began in Scotland in 1288, when a law was passed permitting women to propose to men and instituting a fine for any man who turned down the proposal. The British added a twist – if a man rejected a woman’s proposal, he owed her a debt of several pairs of fine gloves, perhaps to hide the fact that she did not have an engagement ring. So ladies if you wish to propose this Thursday – leap day – it will be your last chance until and the next leap year which will be February 29, 2028.