Taking a Leap

February 30th.

Wait...February 30th?

Yes, once upon a time. Well, twice upon a time to be precise, there really was a February 30th. I suppose we could call that a Double Leap Year.

But we're getting ahead of ourselves here. Let's start with this year. Why exactly do we have leap years and what are the traditions and superstitions surrounding them? (Then back to February 30th, of course, don't worry.)

Well, you've probably heard the old Irish legend, or who knows, maybe it's true, as some legends are at least loosely based on fact, and if you're Irish, and near a pub, (if you're truly Irish, you are definitely near a pub) legends and history frequently get a bit, shall we say, blurred....wait, where was I going with this? Oh, yes. You've probably heard that St. Brigid struck a deal with St Patrick to allow women to propose to men during leap year, as a way to kind of counterbalance the traditional roles of women in society, much as leap year balances the calendar. Clever the way that works out. Oh, never underestimate an Irish lass.

Well, in some European countries the leap day tradition became Bachelors' Day. -- and a man was expected to pay a penalty, by law, if he refused a marriage proposal. Ouch! This could be a gown or fee, or 12 pairs of gloves -- to hide the shame of not having a ring.

The Greeks were not feeling as romantic as the rest of their European cousins. They believed it was unlucky for couples to marry during a leap year and especially on leap day.

However, their Mediterranean neighbors in Italy believe that leap years favor the whales. And making whale babies. Now, who doesn't love whales?

And the Scots believe that Leap Day is as unlucky as Friday the 13th. It's not good for people or sheep. Sheep? Baaad. St. Oswald might agree. Leap Day is named St. Oswald's day, because the archbishop of York died on February 29.

And J and L? What are our feelings, superstitions, traditions about leap day? One more day to celebrate life with family. Living each day to its fullest.

So about February 30th.

It seems the Swedes made an error a number of years back and decided to add a few days in 1712 to correct the error - hence February 30th.

And, in what was once called the Soviet Union, February 30th happened twice: in 1930 and 1931, after the Soviets established the revolutionary calendar. Every week had five days, every month had 30 days and the remaining five or six 'monthless' days were holidays. Well, at least there were holidays. Who knew?

But generally, the date is generally sarcastically used to refer to something that is never going to happen, like winning the lottery. Which I expect to do on February 30th. But you never know...this could be my lucky year!