Article by Johanna Osborne

Today is the 29th of February, and you know what that means – gentlemen look out! Your ladies might just pounce when you least expect it. For the 29th of February not only rolls around just once every 4 years, it’s also the day where women are “allowed” to propose to the man they love!

It is believed this tradition was started in 5th century Ireland when St. Bridget complained to St. Patrick about women having to wait for so long for a man to propose. According to folklore, St. Patrick allowed the longing females to propose on this one day in February during the leap year. And so history was made.

In some cultures Leap Day is known as “Bachelors’ Day” for the same reason. A man was expected to pay a penalty, such as a gown or money, if he refused a marriage proposal from a woman on Leap Day. In many European countries, especially in the upper classes of society, tradition dictates that any man who refuses a woman’s proposal on February 29 has to buy her 12 pairs of gloves. The intention is that the woman can wear the gloves to hide the embarrassment of not having an engagement ring.

Considering ladies have 4 entire years to decide to bite the bullet and make the proposal, I do hope those men lucky enough to receive one, will graciously accept and reward their lady’s bravery and courage. And we better not see any glove-wearing heartbroken ladies walking around!

Happy Leap Day to all our friends. Xoxo