It is 2016 and this year has a special gift in that it is a Leap Year. Not only does it offer one extra day in February but also this is the day that traditions are turned upside down, and conventionally it is the one day, every four years, that the tables are turned and a lady can propose to her man. With 29th February, just around the corner, it is exciting to remember what a leap year is and why some ladies might be taking the leap and planning a thrilling proposal of their own.
The 29th of February only comes around once every four years, and it takes place because an additional day is added to make the year fit into seasonal changes over a Gregorian calendar year. Accordingly, there are 366 days this year, the luxury of an additional day.
Various traditions and beliefs have arisen over the years about a Leap Year. The most famous of these is without a doubt that on 29 February, woman can take over the traditionally male role of proposing, and ask their partner to marry them. This tradition is attributed to the 5th century when a nun complained to St Patrick that men took too long to propose, and he then said that woman could propose on this one day every four years. There is also a tale that in 1288 Queen Margaret of Scotland decreed it law that women could propose in a Leap Year, and if the gentleman declined he could be fined. Some cultures believe that it is an unlucky year to get married in, while others believe those born on 29 February are especially gifted and referred to as ‘leaplings’. Whatever the case may be, the excitement and intrigue with Leap Years still remain today, and some surveys shows that up to 150 000 women are planning propose this year.
As we have an international clientele, experience of exclusive matchmaking and are part of the elite dating scene, some of Seventy-Thirty’s lovely lady members have been asking how we feel about the fast approaching 29 February 2016. Firstly, it is important to recognize that it is 2016 and antiquated traditions and definitions of relationships do not necessarily hold true anymore. More and more people are choosing to live together, rather than needing to define their relationship by the label of marriage, and the idea of marriage is also no longer narrowly defined as between a man and woman. From this it can be seen that traditions are changing and already gender role stereotypes and relationship definitions have taken big steps forward to being more inclusive, liberated and progressive.
In terms of high-end matchmaking and the great unfolding love stories, the Seventy – Thirty experts encourages these developments, and in many ways advocate that woman should not need only one day every four years when they can propose, if you love him and know he is your perfect partner, embrace the moment, take the leap, and this should not be defined by a date or time of year. However, we are still quite traditional and believe that a man should always be the ultimate gentleman, and perhaps only take these steps if it is the right time and stage for both of you. Ladies, do you dare? May this Leap Year be a luxurious celebration of love.