Rich
14 Mar 2008 15:00
Subject: Off Topic Announcement
Once every four years, there is an extra day in the gregorian calender. Here is a little more about this day;
Leap Year has been the traditional time that women can propose marriage. In many of today’s cultures, it is okay for a woman to propose marriage to a man. Society doesn’t look down on such women. However, that hasn’t always been the case. When the rules of courtship were stricter, women were only allowed to pop the question on one day every four years. That day was February 29th.
St. Bridget’s Complaint
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 legend, St. Patrick said the yearning females could propose on this one day in February during the leap year.
February 29th in English Law
According to English law, February 29th was ignored and had no legal status. Folks assumed that traditions would also have no status on that day. It was also reasoned that since the leap year day existed to fix a problem in the calendar, it could also be used to fix an old and unjust custom that only let men propose marriage.
The first documentation of this practice dates back to 1288, when Scotland passed a law that allowed women to propose marriage to the man of their choice in that year. They also made it law that any man who declined a proposal in a leap year must pay a fine. The fine could range from a kiss to payment for a silk dress or a pair of gloves.
Sadie Hawkins Day
In the United States, some people have referred to this date as Sadie Hawkins Day with women being given the right to run after unmarried men to propose.
Sadie Hawkins was a female character in the Al Capp cartoon strip Li’l Abner. Many communities prefer to celebrate Sadie Hawkins Day in November which is when Al Capp first mentioned Sadie Hawkins Day.
Forward to February 29th 2008, and, upon my return from work, I opened the front door to find the lights dimmed, dozens of candles lit and rose petals scattered around the floor (I think you may know where I am going with this!). Our coffee table was beautifully set and Lucy was dressed beautifully…
I am now happy to announce that, after some seconds of shock! I accepted Lucy’s proposal of marriage Smile
Best Wishes
Rich
Paddy
14 Mar 2008 15:15
Subject: Re: Off Topic Announcement
Congratulations and best wishes from a 30-year veteran.
Lang may yer lum reek! as they say in Scotland (long may your chimney smoke)
Paddy
