Once every four years we have an opportunity to say that it's leap year day. That day is today! February 29th was added to the calendar as a corrective measure because the earth does not orbit around the sun in precisely 365 days. So, why do we care? Well, it's kinda cool and it gives us a couple of fun things to chat about (via
Voxox, of course!)
First of all, you may wonder what happens to people who are born on leap day. According to Wikipedia, A person born on February 29 may be called a "leapling" or a "leaper" and in common years they typically celebrate their birthdays on February 28 or March 1. But technically, a leapling will have fewer birthday anniversaries. Way to stay young, right? In the Chinese calendar, which is lunisolar, a leap year actually has an extra month. That's a lot of leaplings.
Second, remember that movie, Leap Year starring Amy Adams? (She decides to propose to her boyfriend in Scotland on leap year day.) Well, in the British Isles, it is tradition that women may propose marriage only on leap years. Supposedly, a 1288 law by Queen Margaret of Scotland levied fines if a marriage proposal was refused by the man with compensation ranging from a kiss to £1 to a silk gown.
So there you have it -- excellent discussions topics and food for thought for your Voxox'ing pleasure. Oh, and ladies, let us know if you decide to propose today and if you're owed a silk gown as a result.
