Leap Year Proposals

What is a Leap Year Proposal? Bachelor’s Day, sometimes known as Ladies’ Privilege, is an Irish tradition that allowed women to propose to men on Leap Day, the 29th February.

The next leap year is 2024, giving you plenty of time to plan the perfect leap year proposal. There’s no reason why you cannot side-step tradition and propose on any day of any year, but the leap year, and February 29th in particular has traditional associations with good luck and unusual happenings!

The tradition comes from the Irish legend of Saint Bridget and Saint Patrick. In the 5th century, Bridget complained to Patrick that men were slow to propose, and that women should be allowed to ask. St. Patrick apparently conceded by allowing women to propose on one day every four years.  In Scotland, it became law in 1288 allowing women could propose during leap years.

Not every man will enjoy his girlfriend taking charge, so if you’re thinking of a leap year proposal, here are our hints and tips:

  1. Choose a place that HE would like to be proposed to in. Don’t force your perfect proposal on him.
  2. Choose a time that suits HIM. Don’t get down on one knee while in front of his mates if he’s a private person.
  3. Don’t put too much pressure on him, make it fun and something you’ll both always remember.
  4. Prepare yourself for any response – a joyous ‘yes’, an angry ‘no’, or a pensive ‘maybe’ are all possible, however sure you are that he’ll say yes!