What do you get when you cross a kangaroo with a calendar?
… A leap year!
… A leap year!
But seriously, for those of you planning on taking
advantage of this year’s leap year, and of course this is directed at you
ladies, this is your once in every four years chance to pop the all important
question. Of course you should make sure that your ‘man to be’, has given you
with ample amounts of chocolate on Valentines Day to get you in the mood. Sorry
chaps you do still have a look in with the remaining 365 days this year.
So, just how did a leap year become
part of our calendar and the emancipated bending of the female knee?
A leap year came about astronomically
because seasons and astronomical events do not repeat a set number of days each
year, so if our calendar remained the same each year, eventually it wouldn’t
correspond to the seasons or seasonal events at all any more. The Gregorian calendar includes an
extra day once every four years, in February, which keeps the matter in check.
Historically in fifth century Ireland
According
to English law, 29 February as a day was considered to have no legal status,
existing purely to fix a problem in the calendar. Therefore any prevailing
custom shouldn’t either that only allowed men propose marriage.
These
days there is a Greek superstition that getting
married on a leap year is bad luck so generally couples will avoid planning
their weddings on a leap year.
So, if the worst-case scenario
becomes a reality and your loved one is not ‘ready’, for the plunge there’s
always the possibility of trying again in another four year’s. If this is not a
very consolatory thought, just remember that Easter is around the corner.
Failing that there are some rather fun chocolate fondue fountains on the market
these days, to while away the time.
Artwork
Wonder Woman: Terry Dodson
Source: Wikipedia
View all issues of Connections HERE (editor, designer, illustrator: 2006-2013)
