The tradition of women proposing to men during leap years has its roots in folklore and legend. One of the most commonly cited origins of this tradition comes from Irish folklore, specifically associated with St. Bridget and St. Patrick. According to legend, St. Bridget complained to St. Patrick about women having to wait too long for men to propose. In response, St. Patrick supposedly designated February 29th, which occurs only during leap years, as a day when women could propose to men.
This tradition gained popularity over time and became associated with Leap Day, which occurs approximately every four years to adjust the calendar to account for the Earth’s orbit around the sun. It became a playful custom in some cultures for women to take the initiative and propose marriage during this extra day, flipping the traditional gender roles.
While the tradition may have originated in folklore, in modern times, it is often seen more as a fun and lighthearted tradition rather than a strict social expectation.
