What could be worse than Storm Jorge or catching the Coronavirus, tomorrow. In years gone by, tomorrow, February 29th was one day when men could find themselves in very great danger, spending their remaining days on this earth in that realm where slavery truly exists.
Here in Ireland, we have a long held tradition on February 29th, better known as Leap Day; for it is on this one and only day; that women become elevated and hold the right to propose marriage to a man.
So when did this most dangerous of Irish traditions materialise?
Here in Ireland, legend has it that St. Brigid bitterly complained to St. Patrick that Irish women had to hang around far too long for their male partners to propose marriage. Following long and careful consideration St. Patrick finally agreed, thus yielding to her complaint and agreeing that women could have one day every four years to ’pop the question’.
However, as we know when you allow women, particularly the high maintenance variety, such high level normally male authority, nothing can be regarded as ‘simple plain sailing’, especially for any man who would dare to politely refuse the request of their lady friend.
Tradition has it that if a man refused the proposal of his female lover on a Leap Day then he has to buy her either a silk dress or a pair of silk gloves. [Now you know why Thurles retailers of female clothing remove “Sale on Here” signs from their shop windows, during the first fortnight in March. And, with the prices charged for a dress, sure maybe agreeing to marriage could end up cheaper than any refusal].
Of course there may be a more practical explanation on the origins of female Leap Day proposals. Marriages were not allowed to take place during the solemn religious observance of Lent, (Latter beginning Wednesday, 26th February – ending on Thursday, 9th April this year, 2020) and since the start of Lent comes around on the end of February, it was one way to guarantee that woman would not be ‘left completely on the shelf’ for a further 40 days and nights.
[I am aware that Lent is a time for doing penance, and what greater act of self-abasement, mortification or devotion, I ask you, is than for a man to accept a proposal from a woman on Leap Day!]
You single men need to be careful out there tomorrow; don’t say you were not warned in advance.
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