Has anyone been waiting too long for a proposal? Well today you’re encouraged to take it into your own hands girls because it’s ‘Ladies Privilege’ also known as ‘Bachelor’s Day’ and most simply - the 29th February and it only comes around once every 4 years!
Rumour has it (along with many unverified online sources) that ‘back in the day’ the 29th February was not an official recognised day - therefore the legal bar on women proposing would not apply! As far back as 5th century Ireland it is written that Saint Brigid was said to have negotiated a deal with the nation's patron Saint Patrick, having complained about women having to wait too long to be proposed to!
This soon caught on in England and Scotland before crossing the Atlantic to reach the United States - forming the basis of Sadie Hawkins dances in American high schools.
Let us know in the comments if and how you popped the question in a leap year!
We did a little digging and came across some weird and wonderful ‘leap tear’ folklores, here’s just a few of the traditions we were having a giggle over at FDB HQ.
In some parts of Europe it is said that if a woman proposed and a man refused, he would have to give recompense to the woman with gifts. Here are some of our favourites;
He would have to buy her twelve pairs of gloves to hide the shame she was not wearing ring.
Buy her a silk gown.
Purchase a fur coat!
Men may also have to perform something for her, like a juggling trick on Easter Day (how specific!)
We also read a few articles that in 1288, it was made into a law that women could propose during leap years but they must wear a red petticoat while proposing, and that refusals would result in a fine.
The first record of the tradition in the United States is in 1860, mentions of a "leap year dance", where the men sit around waiting to be invited by the women. It became more known in the early 20th century, but was the butt of jokes about unmarried, romantically aggressive, women. Cartoons were published mocking the concept in various forms, commonly depicting women discussing the use of, or using, aggressive measures like nets to capture unwitting men.
As we’ve said let us know if you’ve heard any other great traditions, or if you made any of your own.
Happy Proposing, Team FDB x
Image Credit// Fraser McGee Weddings Photography
FDB Real Bride Ellie wearing custom ‘Pearl’ by Stephanie Allin