“Hoppy” 2016 Leap Year! Most of us know that Leap Year resulted from a need to ensure the annual calendar stays aligned with the weather. Aside from those of you on salaried-pay who are essentially working today for free, what other things do you know about Leap Year? Below is a list of a few crazy Leap Year facts you may not be aware of!
- Leap Year is the only year in many cultures where it’s socially acceptable for a woman to propose. However, the proposer has to wear a red petticoat under her skirt when she does so. (I’m guessing this is to give a potential fiancé a running head-start!)
- People born on February 29th are called “Leaplings” or “Leapers”
- Poet Lord Byron was born on a Leap Day.
- Anthony, Texas is the self-proclaimed “Leap Year Capital of the World”
- There is no special Leap Day food, but if there were it would probably be frog legs
- There is, however, an official Leap Day Cocktail! (1 dash of lemon juice, 2/3 gin, 1/6 grand marnier and 1/6 sweet vermouth)
- February 29th is also Rare Disease Day
- Many businesses run Leap Day specials, such as 29% off, or items being sold at 2.29… keep your eyes open!
And let’s end this fun blog post with a little culture! Below is my favourite Lord Byron poem, which always reminds me of my Grandmother.
She Walks in Beauty She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes;
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o’er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express,
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and o’er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
Image by Couleur from Pixabay
Source Url: http://gobelmont.ca/leap-year/