History of Leap Day

There are numerous reported origins associated with Leap Day.  Each story having a basis in truth based on history.  While many look upon the 29^th of February as one of optimism and opportunity, others believe the day is anything but lucky.  Ultimately, Leap Day is based upon our solar system and calculations of seasons in an effort to understand and time crop planting.  In respect to keeping daily life and seasons in sync with Mother Nature, history tells us it was the early Romans responsible for calculating the days of the year.  Julius Caesar in 44 B.C. altered the calendar by adding an extra month into the equation.  This month was named after him and now known to us as July.  Notice the similarity Julius and July. 

Today, we understand the calendar works in conjunction with the rotation of the planet.  Calculated in terms of our solar year it is the time required for Earth to travel once around the Sun.  Incidentally, calculated at 365.24219 days.  Our modern day is calculated in accordance with the Gregorian calendar which is equivalent to 365.2425 days. Bear in mind also, every 400 years the Gregorian calendar repeats itself. 

 Thus every fourth year we are given an extra day.  Later Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 declared Leap Day to be every year which is divisible by 4- but not by 100.  An Exception being those years divisible by 400. Pope Gregory believed his calculations restored the balance and kept humans in step with Mother Nature.  In other words, the truth behind the origin of Leap Day is based in the seasons and relies heavily on human interpretation and calculation.  It is a human invention intended to promote proper planting of crops for maximum yield in order to sustain life.

Although, for those romantically inclined, most favor the Irish folk tale born in the 5^th century that carries forward to the present day. 

Having done a bit of investigative research, my findings conclude most of the rumors and tradition is true about the origin and purpose of February 29^th.  If you prefer the more storied explanations here are few of the best folk tales, lore, traditions, and just plain silly beliefs regarding Leap Day.

February 29^th is often referred to as ‘Sadie Hawkins Day’.  On this day, it is appropriate for the woman to ask the man to join in marriage.  If by chance the man refuses the offer of marriage, he is expected to pay some type of penalty for the rebuking.  While this penance has been removed from the equation of modern day romance it likely has been replaced with something far worse than a monetary amount.  The new tradition of a refusal to marry upon request leaves the man in one of the worst predicaments known to society, a woman scorned.  If you recall someone once said, “Hell hath no fury like that of a woman scorned”. 

But where oh where in time did the notion of Sadie Hawkins Day stem?  According to Irish legend, it is an arrangement practiced as far back in time as St. Bridget and St. Patrick.  On Leap Day, a woman assumed the posture of a traditional male role and if so inclined, had the opportunity to ask him to join her in marriage. Irish legend tells us St. Bridget and St. Patrick play quite a role in the equal opportunity of women.  In other words, just as legend suggests, she asked.  Yet, the story follows that St. Patrick declined.  Well, ladies, it is an alternative option to decline an invitation.  Whether or not St. Patrick paid the penance or suffered the scorn is not exactly known.  Still other stories relating to the origin of Leap Day are not quite as romantic.

Two countries believe February 29^th is unlucky.  For instance, in Scotland a child born on this day is considered somehow disadvantaged almost to the extreme of a jinxed life.  Similarly, in Greece, couples who marry on leap day are supposed destined to failure and a life of strife as husband and wife.

Most humans throughout history agree, Leap Day is whatever we wish to make it.  February 29^th is fundamentally based on a notion of restoring balance in our world and daily life.