The Southern Charms Fan Box

So, Feb 29...
What's so special about this day???

Kind of special in that it is also called "The Ladies Privledge" or "Bachelors Day" when women had the "right" to propose to men. Dates back to the 1800's, those some history supports it going back to 13th century Scotland. Indeed some support the claim that it goes back as far as the 5th century. I was proposed to in Leap Year, 2000, but it was in August of the year. Was at a small pond at a tiny resort a few miles inland from Bar Harbor, Maine. I said yes as I was that big a fool back then. We hit up a small trading post/flea market and bought these cheap native rings. We went back up to the pond that next day, and married ourselves to one another. I lost her almost a year to the day, when a vessel burst in her brain. So to me, my saying yes, was the best choice I ever made....

Back in the day, in many European countries, a gentleman had to pay a penalty if he refused a woman's offer of marriage. Such things as a gown or money were paid as penalty. Sometimes the penalty paid was 12 pair of gloves. Is said that so the spurn woman could hide her hands and the embarrassment of not having an engagement ring.

Less sentimental...the Chinese Calendar as well as the Hindu and Hebrew ones add a whole month in leap years... The Hebrew calendar add a leap month seven times every 19 years, while Hindu's add an extra month every two to three years. The Chinese are less precise and add the extra month anytime in the winter....So we get off as lucky I think having just to adjust to one day every 4 years....

Oddly not every 4th year is a Leap Year, so in 1900 there was no Leap Year Day, and will be none in 2100, 2200, and 2300. The rule is the year must be divisible by 4, but not evenly divided by 100. So 2020 fits both. It is divisible by 4 and 100, but not evenly by 100...2100 will be divided evenly, so wont be a Leap year.

The Greeks consider it unlucky to be born on Leap year Day, as well as getting married. The Scots also find it unlucky , as unlucky as a Friday the 13th.

So kind of special in a way....

Thats very interesting that not every 4 years is a leap year.

It is interesting, and I learned that just this year. Friends 7 year old grand daughter learned it in school and told me....Never to old to learn I guess...