February 29 is a special day for engagements

February 28, 2012

February 29 only comes but once every four years, so many myths and folklore have arisen to explain and celebrate this strange quirk of the Gregorian calendar. One tradition is women proposing to men in their lives, according to TimeandDate.com.

This legend stems from old Irish legend or perhaps history, the website reports. The story goes that Saint Bridget made a deal with Saint Patrick that women would be allowed to propose marriage to men once every four years. It is said that she wanted to balance the traditional roles of men and women the way Leap Day balances the calendar.

Of course, women today can propose to men any day of the year. But that doesn't make the tradition any less fun. Whether you present your sweetheart with a ring or with fresh flowers like Teleflora's Madly in Love Bouquet with Red Roses.

But men had better say yes - in some places, Leap Day has been called "Bachelors' Day," and a man was expected to pay a penalty, such as a gown or money, if he said no when a woman proposed. An old European tradition dictates that a man who refuses a woman's marriage proposal had to buy her 12 pairs of gloves to hide the embarrassment of not having a ring on her finger.

This article is brought to you by Teleflora - a leader in the flower delivery service for over 75 years. Teleflora helps its customers buy flowers online and specializes in bringing the freshest available flowers for a variety of holidays and occasions - all hand-delivered in keepsake vases by the best local florists.

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