From Answers.Com
Proposing marriage takes a leap of faith, but back in the early centuries of Irish lore, it required a leap of time. In those days, a woman was allowed to break with tradition and propose to her beau on a leap day in a leap year. The man could not refuse her hand unless he countered with a substantial consolation prize (silk or cash would do the trick). Leap Year was the traditional time that women could propose marriage.
Back then, when the rules of courtship were stricter, women were only allowed to pop the question on one day every four years - February 29th. 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. So, according to legend, St. Patrick said women could propose on this one day in February during the Leap Year.
For some history on leap year and the legends that have been generated, try clicking this link http://www.brownielocks.com/leapyear.html
Quote: "A woman has to make up a man's mind." — Zsa Zsa Gabor
Later.......
No comments:
Post a Comment