Today is Leap Year Day, February 29, and this is one day, historically, that it has been acceptable, even "legal" in some countries, for women to pop the question. Of course, it is completely acceptable in this century for women to propose any day of the year but some women will follow this Irish tradition and pop the question today.
When, where and how did this tradition begin? It is believed that this tradition began in 5th century Ireland. Apparently women were tired of having to wait so long for men to propose and so, since February 29th was a day that was not legally recognized and only existed to correct a problem with the 365 day calendar year, it was decided that this day could be used to fixed this proposal problem as well.
In 1288, Scotland passed a law that allowed women to propose marriage to the man of their choice in the leap year. They also made it law that any man who declined a proposal in a leap year must pay a fine which could range from a kiss to payment for a silk gown.
Now don't get today confused with Sadie Hawkins Day, which is another day when women are traditionally "allowed" to ask men out. I even read an article stating that Leap Year Day and Sadie Hawkins are the same day. They are NOT the same day. Sadie Hawkins is in November and it is a completely different tradition.
So ladies, anyone planning to pop the question today? Or if you are reading this article after February 29, did you pop the question on Leap Year Day?