The Skyliner

Issue date: 2/27/08 Section: Entertainment & Features

'I do': Tara Hoxie, senior elementary education, and Joe Novotasky, junior sports management, play it up for the camera poking fun at an old Irish tradition from the 5th century.

Jennilyn Dempsey
Staff Writer


Men, prepare yourselves. February 29 is nigh.

Friday is recognized as the one day when it is traditionally acceptable for a woman to propose marriage.

If you experience such a thing and are not, shall we say, ready for commitment, don't forget that you must pay a fine for declining to tie the knot. A kiss might pay your debt, but smarter ladies will require something along the lines of an expensive new purse or some fancy jewelry. It's like restitution in the tangible form of "thanks, but no thanks."

This tradition originated in 5th century Ireland when Saint Brigid of Kildare started complaining about - what else? - men. Saint Patrick was supposedly involved in the conversation and after some negotiating, Brigid convinced him to allow women to pop the question on leap day, which was then Feb. 24. Paying to decline the marriage proposal originated when Queen Margaret of Scotland made it a law in 1288.

The border town of Anthony, Texas, hosts the Worldwide Leap Year Festival that lasts from Feb. 29 - March 2. "Leaplings," people born on February 29, and couples married on leap day can be a part of the 1.5-mile parade. The festival also includes a birthday cake, chili cook-off, golf tournament, hot air balloon rides and games.

Why such a big fuss over Feb. 29? The earth orbits the sun in 365 days and about six hours, which equals an extra day every four years.

If the extra day was not added, the calendar would not accurately reflect the sun's position, and women would not have the chance to propose marriage to their unsuspecting suitors.

All years divisible by four are leap years. Century years cannot be leap years unless they are divisible by 400. So, you should feel privileged to have enjoyed 2000, the first century leap year since 1600 and the last one until 2400.

Several memorable events have occurred on Leap Day as well.

On February 29, 1504, Christopher Columbus frightened some Jamaican natives into giving food to his crew by utilizing his knowledge of the lunar eclipse schedules.

Teddy Roosevelt formed a committee to oversee the Panama Canal construction in 1904, and Bob Hope hosted his first Academy Awards in 1940. He gave eight of the Oscars to Gone With the Wind.

In 1972, Hank Aaron celebrated leap day by signing the MLB's highest-paying contract at the time.

Men, you've been sufficiently warned. If you fear Sadie Hawkins is after you, Friday may be the day to stay close to your dorm room - or at least make up a good excuse for an inexpensive decline.

Ladies, don't abuse your right to receive payment for that fine - he just might say, "Yes."

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