Leapling Into Life
Babies born on February 29 are called “leap day babies” or “leaplings”, and can only truly celebrate their birthday once every four years. People born on a leap day are also invited to join The Honor Society of Leap Year Day Babies. In Anthony, Texas, USA, “leaplings” are celebrated with a four-day festival with live music, food, and fun. Starting in 1988, the festival came about after Anthony declared itself the “leap year capital of the world” thanks to residents Mary Ann Brown and Birdie Lewis, who were both leap day babies. They proposed a festival to honour this unique day, and it remains a popular attraction to this day. Author’s Note: My maternal grandmother was born on February 29, and when she passed away at age 99, she was technically only 24 and ¾ !Peak Proposals
In the UK, it’s a long-standing tradition that women can propose to men on leap day. It began as an Irish custom in the 5th century when Saint Brigid of Kildare grew tired of how long some women had to wait for a proposal, and agreed with Saint Patrick that women could propose every four years, known as Ladies' Privilege.
A colour postcard of a woman proposing to a man on leap year (1908)
