Leap Day Customs & Traditions

Leap Day, on February 29, has long been a day of folklore and superstitions. I was first introduced by Julius Ceasar over 2000 years ago.  

When Women Can Propose to Men

According to old Irish legend, or possibly history, St. Brigid struck a deal with St. Patrick to allow women to propose to men – and not just the other way around – every four years.

This is believed to have been introduced to balance the traditional roles of men and women in a similar way to how leap day balances the calendar.

12 Pairs of Gloves

In some places, leap day is been known as “Bachelors’ Day” for the same reason. A man was expected to pay a penalty, such gifting a gown or money, if he refused a marriage proposal from a woman on Leap Day.

In many European countries, especially in the upper classes of society, tradition dictates that any man who refuses a woman's proposal on February 29 has to buy her 12 pairs of gloves. The intention is that the woman can wear the gloves to hide the embarrassment of not having an engagement ring. During the middle ages there were laws governing this tradition.