February 29: Ladies' Privilege Day

2012 is a Leap Year. Apparently, any year which is divisible by 4 is a leap year. Full centuries, however, have to be divisible by 400 to be considered a leap year. For example, 1900 was not a leap year while 2000 was.

Have you seen that 2010 movie, Leap Year? Well, it is a tale of a woman who follows her boyfriend to Ireland in order to propose to him.

 According to folklore, February 29 is a day when it is considered the norm for a woman to propose to her man. The man is obliged to accept the proposal. Otherwise, it will only be deemed proper that he pays the woman or gives her a gift to soften the blow of rejection. In ancient times, a silk gown or a £100 was the price the man had to pay.





Other February 29 trivia:

• Couples should not have their pictures taken during midnight (the minutes between 12am-1am) as this would affect their chances of ending up happily ever after.
• People born on this day are considered to be favored by Dame of Fortune.
• It is a good day to start a business venture or any valuable matters. 

If any of you are getting any ideas, here are some tips for leap-day proposals:

Source: Engagement Proposals

Do's

• Place Pick a proposal scenario that will appeal to him rather than just to you - even if that means choosing to attend a sports event or going to his favourite type of restaurant. Set the stage for romance by using props such as champagne, chocolates, rose petals and soft candlelight. 

• Time Be sure to pick the right moment – wait until you’ve had a glass of bubbly, just after dessert or when relaxing in the jacuzzi. 
• Make it fun Write ‘Will you marry me?’ on a piece of card and give it to him to read out aloud. Then say, ‘Oh what a surprise! I’d be delighted!’ 
• Make him pay Remind him of the traditional penalty that a man had to pay for refusing a woman’s proposal on the 29th of February – he should buy you an expensive silk dress! 
• Be prepared The chances are that he will say ‘yes’, but do be prepared for a ‘no’ or a ‘maybe later’. Either way, it is good to have a response ready. Now we know what the other half have to go through!

Don’ts

• Timing The setting and the timing is important, so avoid bringing it up when he’s in a hurry, is tired or if his football team has just lost the match. 
• Ring If your man doesn't normally wear rings or you’re unsure whether he will, try to find some other token.  
• Too soon If you've known each other for less than a year it’s probably not a good idea to bring up the idea of marriage – even if it may mean waiting another four years for the opportunity.

For me, any day is a good day to propose to somebody if you really love him/her. It just makes it extra special and romantic to be doing it on a day believed to be made just for that purpose. 

Photo from www.slate.com

In this century, everyday is February 29.