A leap day leap of faith!

February 29 marks the day that women can traditionally propose to men.

February 29 is a day that holds a special significance for many people. Not only is it a day that occurs once every four years and leap year babies can become a year older three years after everyone else, but it is a day that strikes fear into the hearts of men across the world. February 29 sees the gender roles reversed and women are suddenly allowed to wear the trousers and pop the question.

The tradition of women proposing to men on February 29 originates from 12^th century Irish folklore. Legend has it an Irish nun, St Brigid, asked St Patrick to grant permission for women to propose to their suitors, who were allegedly too shy to do it themselves.  St. Patrick allowed women to propose to their men every four years on a leap day. The folk take suggests that at the same time, St Brigid dropped to her knee and asked St Patrick the all important question but he declined, giving her a gown and a kiss as an apology. Irish tradition therefore dictates that if a man declines a woman’s proposal he must give her a silk gown and a kiss.

So what did this year’s leap day have in store for the unsuspecting men out there? Loose Women’s Lisa Maxwell became engaged this year when she proposed to her partner, Paul Jessup, in bed. One man was proposed to in the middle of Wembley stadium. Another looked down at the words ‘Marry me?’ drawn into the sand as he stood at the top of Blackpool Tower. One woman even wrote into the first Sun on Sunday asking her boyfriend to marry her. She had the paper delivered to their room while they were away for the weekend. Luckily, these proposals have happy endings (and surprising starts) but one unlucky woman was refused live on air when she rang her radio DJ boyfriend’s show. He said he was a traditionalist and wanted to ask her himself. Here’s hoping he does it soon!

But would you propose to your man? Or would you say yes to your woman if she asked? Although February 29 can empower women all over the world to do a job traditionally meant for a man and I commend the women for having the guts to do it, I don’t think I ever would. I like my traditions and I’d like the man to choose when to propose (but God forbid he ever asks at the wrong time!)

What do you think of this tradition?

Emma xx