Happy 2016! At Platinum Ring Company, we’re hoping that the year is going to be a good one for everyone. But this year isn’t an ordinary year. It’s a leap year! Which means only one thing… ladies, you can officially pop the question! Obviously, you can pop the question any day on any year. But if you’re more traditional and are fed up of waiting, the 29th February is the perfect day to propose.
Why February 29th?
Firstly, let’s look at the history. It is believed that the tradition for Leap Year proposals dates back to 5th century Ireland and ‘St Bridget’s Complaint’. St Bridget is said to have been fed up at the length of time women had to wait for a man to ask for their hand in marriage. After debating this with St Patrick, he told her that women could from then on propose on the leap year. The first documented woman proposing on February 29th is in 13th century Scotland, where a law was passed ensuring that any man refusing a proposal on the leap year must pay a fine. This could range from a kiss, right through to a silk dress or, most commonly, a pair of gloves!
Why propose on a leap year?
Back to now, there are lots of reasons you might be tempted to propose to your man. Maybe you have a kooky, unique, non-traditional relationship and proposing to him is a great way of celebrating that. Maybe you feel your partner isn’t very confident and would struggle to pluck up the courage to do it himself. Or maybe you just feel he’d love the non-traditional surprise.
Is a leap year proposal right for your relationship?
All of these reasons are great, but if you’re planning to propose simply because you’re tired of waiting for him to do it, be careful! It’s important to have discussed marriage before you propose and to have listened carefully to what your partner wants. Why? He may not be ready, or even want to be married full stop! It’s very common that men won’t feel ready for marriage until they’ve reached a certain level in their career and finances. If your partner has expressed that he plans to marry you but wants to wait a few years, a proposal from you won’t change that. There are many stories of men being totally surprised by a proposal and answering, “Yes – but one day.” He can’t be rushed. But, if you know he’s where he wants to be in life and just needs a sign from you that the time is right to take the next step, then there’s no reason not to propose. Good luck! If you’re thinking the 29th February 2016 is the day then good luck! Don’t forget to let us know on Facebook or Twitter.