Leap Year Proposals

These days, a modern woman can pocket her pride and propose marriage to her man instead of waiting impatiently for him to bend the knee and whip out the ring. But in days gone by, such bold behaviour would have been frowned upon. In fact, for many a year the only window of opportunity for marriage-minded minxes was Leap Year, February 29, which rolls around once every four years. 2008 is such a year, so get those proposals ready, girls!

This quaint tradition started back in the mists of time. As ‘leap day' had no legal status, but was created once every four years to ensure that the calendar stayed on track despite the variations in the earth's axis, it was also thought that traditions on that day had no status either - so that modest young ladies could throw their bonnets over the windmill and seize the chance to propose.

Back in 5th century Ireland, it's said that St Bridget complained to St Patrick about the rigid rules governing women who wanted to get married. Why should they have to wait upon their sweetheart's whim, she argued, in a suspiciously feminist manner? Legend has it that St Patrick then bent the rules to allow a chink of liberation - once every four years on Feb 29.

The practice was first documented back in 1288, when a law was passed in Scotland making it legal for women to propose to their men. It also became law that if the man turned down the proposal, he had to pay a fine. This could consist of anything from a kiss to a pair of gloves or a silk dress.

Good luck if you're planning on proposing, and don't forget to come back to Henry Kaye when you're buying all your lovely wedding accessories!

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