Leaping back to the lore...

Dia duit!

As I woke up this morning, I saw my calendar read 29, February 2012, and a long chain of thoughts ensued in my mind. I have always had an ear for folklore, superstitions and old customs and traditions; which is why the first thing that came to my mind (funnily) was, 'if the world supposedly does end this year, at least Karma was merciful enough to give us one extra day before the end.' Just saying.

Having seen only a romantic version of the leap day folklore in the movie 'Leap Year' (it's a sweet, romantic movie, with some of the best scenic locations of Ireland I've seen. Watch it if you haven't!); I got to reading more about this generous, extra day that comes every 4 years; and I came across some well-known and some not so well-known folklore. It's all very interesting and funny at the same time. So here we go, back into the rumours of the past!

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                                                The Ladies' Privilege

                             
This is by far the most known leap year story we've all heard, (especially the girls *wink*).
On this grand day, folklore has it, that women can propose to men! What's the big deal? Well, it's no big deal today, but back then women did not have the opportunity of proposing to men. It was considered to be one of nature's laws that only a man can propose to a woman; though, I still think it works like that. The only change is that a woman proposing isn't unexpectedly impossible, just seemingly rare.

Popular sources of these legends are:

• One of the most popular sources of this legend goes as early as the 5th century. A man called St. Patrick, so they say, freed Ireland of snakes, (is that why it is so pretty?). That's when St. Bridget had complained how women had to wait for lazy men to propose (seems like men haven't changed much). So smart man, St. Patrick, went ahead and bestowed women with the kind "privilege" of proposing to a man once in seven years. Excellent bargain-ers as always, women negotiated on the number of years and finally one year out of four- the lucky leap year- was selected unanimously.
  
  However, realization dawned upon St. Bridget that that was a leap year and, all at once, she proposed to St. Patrick right then and there. Poor, shocked man then gave her a kiss and silk gown as consolation with his refusal.
  
  Most legends about the ladies' privilege follow this tale of St. Patrick and St. Bridget.
  
• Some say that a man can't refuse a woman if she proposes on leap year day, i.e. the 29th of February. If he does, he has to console her with a silk gown or even 100 euros.
  
• It is also said that in the 2nd/3rd century, Queen Margaret of Scotland, passed a law in this regard as well. The law stated that the man would have to reimburse his refusal with a kiss and a new silk gown. (I don't think men would have really minded the first condition.) Although, there was a catch here.
  The men had to pay the said reimbursements only IF the woman was wearing a red petticoat while she proposed. Bizarre much? Hell, yes.
  
• Denmark- There, people believed that women could propose on the 24th of February, which is known as the bissextile leap day, and if the man refused the lady, he would have to compensate it by giving her 12 pairs of gloves. Bizarre much? Not really. Gloves, because the woman could then hide her 'un-engaged' ring finger. Oh yeah, they had all risks covered.
  
• Finland went easier on the men. If you refused a woman's leap day proposal here, you would have to buy her fabric for a skirt. *yawn*

The world would be weird if it didn't have contradicting superstitions to every existing superstition. This lore has it too. In Greece, marriage in a leap year is considered to be unlucky, so much so that one in five couples avoid getting married at this time.

Well, all I can say is: to each country, its own (superstition).

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“A leap year is never a good sheep year.”

That's what the Scottish say; and it's one of the many other leap day superstitions.
Many believed that in a leap year crops would not grow very well. While there were more who believed that "leaplings" or "leapers" (those born on a leap day,) would be particularly difficult to nurture in addition to falling sick very often. 

Of course, most of these tales and superstitions arose from one basic way of thinking: "there's one whole extra day in the calendar! Could we be messing with Mother Nature?!" Oh yes, that's how ancient thinking worked.

However, I, for one, am glad the earth can't orbit around the sun in 365 days every four years, and needs 24 hours extra. Look what we get to read due to that; or in some cases, look what we girls get to do. Oh yes, trap that bloke if you'd like to, ladies. 

Of course, tales will always surround us and it'll be fun to lend it an occasional ear; but, here's some food for thought. You just got an extra day this year. How are you going to make the most of it?  


Au revoir,
Miss Bee.

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P.S.- The stories mentioned above are merely just that, as none of them have ever been backed by any fact or evidence. But if you believe them, I think it's all good fun. :D
Here's a song called Leap Year. Enjoy!