29th Feb

Today is the leap day, which comes once every 4 years. According to this article, leap day is the day when women turn customs and ask for a man's hand in marriage.

It is a practice that found its roots in a legend from the fifth century when Saint Brigit wanted to apprease her disgruntled priestesses and begged Saint Patrick, the bishop, to let the women propose to eligible bachelors. He finally conceded, allowing this to happen every four years on a leap day.

In 1228, a law was passed in Scotland, giving women the legal rights to propose to an unmarried man (on a leap day). Should he refuse, legally, she could claim a new gown or a pair of gloves in addition to a cash payment of one pound (and one pound in those days was alot of money).

In fact, it takes a confident, self-assured woman to ask for a man's hand, but it also takes a confident, unconventional man to accept.