Holy Guacamole! Leap Year Brings Unusual Traditions

The love of your life is knelt down on bended knee, bearing a shimmering ring in one hand and asking for your hand in marriage with the other. 

She looks up from bended knee to her adoring man, waiting patiently for his answer to HER proposal. 

That’s right, according to the old Irish tradition; the roles of marriage proposal would be switched specifically for Leap Year on February 29th. 

For Real!

Ladies, we've come a long way! Now days, It wouldn't be surprising if the woman would propose marriage on any given day of the year. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander, so to speak.

I'm sure most understand that Leap Year happens every 4 years where an extra day is added in February to balance out the Gregorian calendar.  Since I'm not an astronomical or calendar expert, I'll just insert a link here if you want to sink your teeth into more of the facts. 

For now, let’s get back to the Irish and the legend that St. Brigid of Kildare who had supposedly felt it was taking the 'marriage dodging' gentlemen a little too long to propose. 

The complaint was brought to St. Patrick and according to ancient Irish history; St. Patrick proclaims that women could propose on one day in February during the leap year. 

Hurray for the Irish! Progressive thinking women had something they could mark on their calendar. A day slotted just for them to snatch up the man of their dreams. 

Unfortunately, that chance would only happen every FOUR years!!

Following the Irish proclamation, a law allegedly was passed in 1288 by the Scots stating that women were allowed to propose marriage only in a Leap Year. 

If the lucky guy felt NOT so lucky about wedded bliss and wasn't quite ready for his BETTER half, then he would have to pay a fine for declining. 

Payment was usually a kiss, a pair of gloves or a silk gown. 

The poor love-seeking dame would walk away with a consolation pity prize for being rejected. A risk for anyone proposing marriage!

So SINGLE gals, if you haven't already planned to propose today on this 2016 Leap Year, no worries you have another 4 years to prepare for it!

Marriage willing, the man of honor will surely accept!

It’d be quite heartbreaking for any brave lady to be turned away with a pitiful pair of gloves.

Happy Leap Year and here's hoping the answer is "yes!"

This is another featured installment of ”Holy Guacamole, Is That For Real?" Until next month's edition, expect the unexpected!

Put your smile on and unwrap

   A Square of Chocolate,
Laurie O

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