It’s Leap Year!
Leap Year Day
Leap year comes around every 4 years and has been traditionally known as the day that women can propose to men. I think these days, we’re a lot more relaxed about things like that-I don’t think women have to wait or feel they have to wait for a man to propose to them, but I’m a traditionalist, so for me, I like the hearts and roses side of things-the man on one knee, etc, etc, etc!
So, I thought I would investigate where this all started….
Ireland
Irish legend has it that St Brigid struck a deal with St Patrick that women could propose to men on Leap Year day- every 4 years, not just the other way around, to try and re-balance the roles of men and women in life, just like Leap Year balances out the calender.
In some places Leap Year Day has been known as ‘Batchelors Day’-a man was supposed to pay a fine or buy a gown if he refused a proposal from a woman on Leap Year Day. In many European countries, if a man refused a woman’s proposal on February 29th, he has to buy her 12 pairs of gloves, so that she can wear them to hide the embarrassment of having a naked ring finger. During the middle ages, there were laws to this effect.
Romance at Fields Lodge
We are lucky enough to have been the location for several engagement proposals and we’ve had a few brides and grooms here for their wedding nights and honeymoons. If desired, we dress the rooms in a way that you’d like to make it a haven for romance-we even do a bit of cheesy towel folding, which you have to admit, cheesy or not, it does bring a smile to your face!
Leap Year Babies
And people born on February 29th are invited to join The Honour Society of Leap Year Babies.
In Scotland it was considered to be unlucky to be born on Leap Year Day (I can understand that, only one birthday every 4 years!), just like it is considered Friday 13th is unlucky. In Greece, it is considered unlucky for a couple to marry in a Leap Year, and especially on February 29th.
Leap Year Day is also St Oswalds day, named after the Archbishop of York, who died on this day in 992.
For more information: BBC News -Leap Year
If you’re looking to have a romantic escape(and maybe even propose) then get in touch with us–we’ve got a great Winter Offer on at the moment where you can stay for free, on us! Check it out here
And. We’ll supply the bubbly!
‘we’ve had the most fantastic stay at Fields Lodge, and to get engaged there was fantastic’
