Victoria MoorwoodCincinnati Enquirer
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Leap day, that strange quasi-holiday that comes around every four years, is almost here.
The history behind leap years may be little known, but even more curious are the various traditions and superstitions surrounding the day.
Here are some traditional ways to celebrate leap day this Thursday.
Pop the question
It's a British and Irish tradition for women to propose marriage to their partner on leap day. The tradition is thought to date back to fifth-century Ireland, when Saint Bridget complained to Saint Patrick that women were tired of waiting for men to propose. The patroness saint of Ireland was able to convince Saint Patrick to allow women to propose to men once every four years, which became known as "Ladies' Privilege" or "Bachelor's Day."
The tradition traveled to Scotland and is thought to have been adopted into law by Queen Margaret in 1288, though she would have been around six years old at the time. According to Scottish tradition, women had to wear a red petticoat while proposing.
Turning down a Ladies' Privilege proposal was costly. Men had to reimburse the women they rejected with gifts, such as gloves so she could hide her ring-less finger, or were even fined.
But don't get married
In Greece and other countries, getting married during a leap year is considered bad luck and thought to lead to divorce.
Bad luck for the elderly
In Taiwan, it's believed the elderly are more likely to die during a leap year. For this reason, married Taiwanese daughters return home on leap day to cook pig trotter noodles, a dish made with pig's feet, for their parents, which is thought to bring them good fortune and health.
Leap years are also considered generally unlucky in Italy and Scotland.
Read a rarely published newspaper
La Bougie du Sapeuris a French satirical newspaper launched in 1980 that is only published on leap day. Named after a comic book character born on leap day, the publication is known for its satirical humor, and claims the title of least frequently published newspaper in the world.
Party like a Leapling
Anthony, Texas, claims to be the leap year capital of the world. The city hosts a festival every four years to help "Leaplings," people born on leap day, celebrate their special day.
This year's Leap Year Festival kicks off Feb. 29 with an exclusive celebration for Leaplings, followed by two days of public festivities.
Celebrate with a co*cktail
Famed bartender Harry Craddock created a special leap day co*cktail for guests at the Savoy Hotel in London. The recipe dates back to 1928 and was published in Haddock's book, "The Savoy co*cktail Book."
Here's how to make one at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces gin.
- 1/2 ounce Grand Marnier.
- 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth.
- 1 dash fresh lemon juice.
Pour ingredients into a co*cktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake well for 10 seconds. Strain liquid into a co*cktail glass and top with a twisted piece of lemon peel as garnish.
