{Traditions & Trends} The Leap Year Proposal

Save the date: 2.29.2012

Been waiting forever for the man of your dreams to pop the question?

Well, thanks to the Scots, who in 1288 made it legal (that’s right, legal) for a woman to propose to a man on the 29th of February aka Leap Year, women can mark their calendars for 2012 and embrace this tradition themselves.

Additionally, according to ancient English law, February 29th of any leap year holds no legal status. Thus, savvy women considered it apropos to propose on this date and the perfect time to take this unjust law into their own hands. Parties and dances were even held in support of the cause as well as to create an opportunity for women to ask their gentlemen to dance.

While Scottish men who declined the offer were once fined and required to present the offended woman with either a silk dress or a swanky new pair of gloves, we're not sure if there is a fancy gift involved should your sweetheart delicne to accept your leap year proposal.

Good luck!