![The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65bb804f2a461.jpg)
![The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5e37d4dc79b67.jpg)
![The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5e37d4e10c05b.jpg)
![The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5e37d4e1807e2.jpg)
![The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5e3803ddb4082.jpg)
![The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_659e53bd72704.jpg)
![The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5e37d4d865f5e.jpg)
![The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5e37da72949db.jpg)
![The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5e37da7274ef6.jpg)
![The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5e3800a6b1130.jpg)
![The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5e37da6cc5078.jpg)
![The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5e37da75eed0e.jpg)
![The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5e37da7074af8.jpg)
![The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5b631a405cda6.jpg)
![The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5e37ed9ba90d8.jpg)
![The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5e37d989703dc.jpg)
![The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5e37da6e84e67.jpg)
![The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5e37ed9d17c30.jpg)
![The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5e37ed9a771fd.jpg)
![The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5e37da731c752.jpg)
![The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_659e80a07b2f2.jpg)
![The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5e37e54706283.jpg)
![The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5e37e492702ed.jpg)
![The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5e380c46b594d.jpg)
![The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5e37da6c32673.jpg)
![The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5e37da745916c.jpg)
![The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5e37dedcd76bd.jpg)
See Also
See Again
© Shutterstock
0 / 27 Fotos
When?
- A leap year occurs when the last two digits of a year are divisible by four, unless it is a century year. Century years must be divisible by 400. Therefore, the year 2100 will not be a leap year.
© Shutterstock
1 / 27 Fotos
Reason
- Leap years were created to align the Gregorian calendar with the solar calendar. Now, let's explore legends, historical events, and other intriguing facts about leap years.
© Shutterstock
2 / 27 Fotos
Women can propose to men on Leap Day
- "The Ladies' Privilege," or "Bachelor's Day," legend arose in the fifth century. Ladies, feel free to propose to your partner on this day!
© Shutterstock
3 / 27 Fotos
The Irish version
- According to the Irish interpretation of the myth, this was the outcome of an agreement made between Saint Brigid and Saint Patrick.
© Getty Images
4 / 27 Fotos
The Scottish version is different
- In Scotland, the legend says that Margaret, Maid of Norway and Queen of Scots, established this tradition in 1288.
© Public Domain
5 / 27 Fotos
The Salem witchcraft trials begin
- Arrest warrants were first issued on February 29, 1692.
© Shutterstock
6 / 27 Fotos
Oscars
- Hattie McDaniel made history on Leap Day 1940 by becoming the first African American to win an Academy Award.
© Getty Images
7 / 27 Fotos
A French newspaper is published once every four years
- La Bougie du Sapeur is exclusively available at newsstands on Leap Day. To ensure you never miss an issue, you can subscribe for €100 (approximately US$108) per century.
© Getty Images
8 / 27 Fotos
The first pulsar star was discovered by Dr. Jocelyn Bell Burnell
- The announcement of the discovery was made on February 29, 1968.
© Shutterstock
9 / 27 Fotos
Clergyman against apartheid
- South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu was taken into custody on Leap Day 1988 during an anti-apartheid protest in Cape Town.
© Getty Images
10 / 27 Fotos
Born on Leap Day
- Tony Robbins, a renowned motivational speaker and self-help icon, was born on Leap Day, a date that occurs only once every 1,461 days.
© Getty Images
11 / 27 Fotos
Ja Rule
- Rapper Ja Rule, born Jeffrey Atkins, came into the world on February 29, 1976, in New York.
© Getty Images
12 / 27 Fotos
Aileen Wuornos
- The notorious serial killer was born on February 29, 1956.
© Getty Images
13 / 27 Fotos
Davy Jones dies
- Davy Jones of The Monkees died on February 29, 2012.
© Getty Images
14 / 27 Fotos
What are the odds?
- James Milne Wilson, Tasmania's Premier from 1869 to 1872, was born and died on February 29th.
© Public Domain
15 / 27 Fotos
Agadir earthquake
- On February 29, 1960, Agadir, Morocco was struck by a destructive earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale.
© Getty Images
16 / 27 Fotos
Pope John Paul II almost died
- On February 29, 1944, Karol Wojtyla, the future pope, was struck by a military truck from the German army and left for dead on the road. He was later transported to a hospital and managed to survive.
© Getty Images
17 / 27 Fotos
Buddy Holly's trademark glasses were found
- The famous singer's distinctive glasses were lost when he died in a tragic plane crash in 1959. They were finally located on February 29, 1980.
© Getty Images
18 / 27 Fotos
Walk/Don’t Walk signs
- The installation of the first signs occurred on Leap Day 1952 at Times Square in New York City.
© Getty Images
19 / 27 Fotos
Leap Day Cocktail
- There is an official Leap Day cocktail called the Leap Year, which was created in 1928 by bartender Harry Craddock at London's Savoy Hotel. It contains gin, grand marnier, sweet vermouth, and lemon juice.
© Getty Images
20 / 27 Fotos
The man who murdered Michael Jordan's father is sentenced to life
- Daniel Green, the individual found guilty of murdering James R. Jordan, was given a life sentence on Leap Day in 1996.
© Reuters
21 / 27 Fotos
Tokyo Skytree
- The well-known tower in Japan was finished on February 29, 2012.
© Shutterstock
22 / 27 Fotos
The first Playboy club opens
- The first Playboy club in Chicago was opened by Hugh Hefner on Leap Day 1960.
© Getty Images
23 / 27 Fotos
Academy Awards 2004
- 'The Return of the King' received 11 Academy Awards on February 29, 2004.
© Getty Images
24 / 27 Fotos
Hobbits have February 29... every year
- In 'The Lord of the Rings' books, hobbits employ the Shire Calendar, which comprises 12 months, each consisting of 30 days.
© Getty Images
25 / 27 Fotos
February 30th
- This date was added in 1712 in Sweden and Finland. An additional Leap Day was added to align their Julian calendar with the Gregorian calendar.
© Shutterstock
26 / 27 Fotos
© Shutterstock
0 / 27 Fotos
When?
- A leap year occurs when the last two digits of a year are divisible by four, unless it is a century year. Century years must be divisible by 400. Therefore, the year 2100 will not be a leap year.
© Shutterstock
1 / 27 Fotos
Reason
- Leap years were created to align the Gregorian calendar with the solar calendar. Now, let's explore legends, historical events, and other intriguing facts about leap years.
© Shutterstock
2 / 27 Fotos
Women can propose to men on Leap Day
- "The Ladies' Privilege," or "Bachelor's Day," legend arose in the fifth century. Ladies, feel free to propose to your partner on this day!
© Shutterstock
3 / 27 Fotos
The Irish version
- According to the Irish interpretation of the myth, this was the outcome of an agreement made between Saint Brigid and Saint Patrick.
© Getty Images
4 / 27 Fotos
The Scottish version is different
- In Scotland, the legend says that Margaret, Maid of Norway and Queen of Scots, established this tradition in 1288.
© Public Domain
5 / 27 Fotos
The Salem witchcraft trials begin
- Arrest warrants were first issued on February 29, 1692.
© Shutterstock
6 / 27 Fotos
Oscars
- Hattie McDaniel made history on Leap Day 1940 by becoming the first African American to win an Academy Award.
© Getty Images
7 / 27 Fotos
A French newspaper is published once every four years
- La Bougie du Sapeur is exclusively available at newsstands on Leap Day. To ensure you never miss an issue, you can subscribe for €100 (approximately US$108) per century.
© Getty Images
8 / 27 Fotos
The first pulsar star was discovered by Dr. Jocelyn Bell Burnell
- The announcement of the discovery was made on February 29, 1968.
© Shutterstock
9 / 27 Fotos
Clergyman against apartheid
- South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu was taken into custody on Leap Day 1988 during an anti-apartheid protest in Cape Town.
© Getty Images
10 / 27 Fotos
Born on Leap Day
- Tony Robbins, a renowned motivational speaker and self-help icon, was born on Leap Day, a date that occurs only once every 1,461 days.
© Getty Images
11 / 27 Fotos
Ja Rule
- Rapper Ja Rule, born Jeffrey Atkins, came into the world on February 29, 1976, in New York.
© Getty Images
12 / 27 Fotos
Aileen Wuornos
- The notorious serial killer was born on February 29, 1956.
© Getty Images
13 / 27 Fotos
Davy Jones dies
- Davy Jones of The Monkees died on February 29, 2012.
© Getty Images
14 / 27 Fotos
What are the odds?
- James Milne Wilson, Tasmania's Premier from 1869 to 1872, was born and died on February 29th.
© Public Domain
15 / 27 Fotos
Agadir earthquake
- On February 29, 1960, Agadir, Morocco was struck by a destructive earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale.
© Getty Images
16 / 27 Fotos
Pope John Paul II almost died
- On February 29, 1944, Karol Wojtyla, the future pope, was struck by a military truck from the German army and left for dead on the road. He was later transported to a hospital and managed to survive.
© Getty Images
17 / 27 Fotos
Buddy Holly's trademark glasses were found
- The famous singer's distinctive glasses were lost when he died in a tragic plane crash in 1959. They were finally located on February 29, 1980.
© Getty Images
18 / 27 Fotos
Walk/Don’t Walk signs
- The installation of the first signs occurred on Leap Day 1952 at Times Square in New York City.
© Getty Images
19 / 27 Fotos
Leap Day Cocktail
- There is an official Leap Day cocktail called the Leap Year, which was created in 1928 by bartender Harry Craddock at London's Savoy Hotel. It contains gin, grand marnier, sweet vermouth, and lemon juice.
© Getty Images
20 / 27 Fotos
The man who murdered Michael Jordan's father is sentenced to life
- Daniel Green, the individual found guilty of murdering James R. Jordan, was given a life sentence on Leap Day in 1996.
© Reuters
21 / 27 Fotos
Tokyo Skytree
- The well-known tower in Japan was finished on February 29, 2012.
© Shutterstock
22 / 27 Fotos
The first Playboy club opens
- The first Playboy club in Chicago was opened by Hugh Hefner on Leap Day 1960.
© Getty Images
23 / 27 Fotos
Academy Awards 2004
- 'The Return of the King' received 11 Academy Awards on February 29, 2004.
© Getty Images
24 / 27 Fotos
Hobbits have February 29... every year
- In 'The Lord of the Rings' books, hobbits employ the Shire Calendar, which comprises 12 months, each consisting of 30 days.
© Getty Images
25 / 27 Fotos
February 30th
- This date was added in 1712 in Sweden and Finland. An additional Leap Day was added to align their Julian calendar with the Gregorian calendar.
© Shutterstock
26 / 27 Fotos
The old tradition dictates that women can only propose to men today
Did you know that women can only propose on Leap Day? You have a chance today
© Shutterstock
Yes, 2024 is a leap year, but what does that mean? What is the significance of an additional day at the end of February once every four years? Are there any noteworthy events that have occurred on February 29?
This gallery provides the answers to these questions and more. Whether it be amazing discoveries to groundbreaking moments, click through to discover fascinating facts about Leap Day.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
![Pioneering ways AI is being used in the Olympics](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a3ae28aa4d5.jpg)
![Unlocking your potential with a growth mindset](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669fd8da0bfd4.jpg)
![Outdated workplace trends to say goodbye to](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a241cfb6915.jpg)
![The top 30 countries with the highest salaries](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a1257b5af9b.jpg)
![30 animals with surprisingly human traits](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669fc7d59e9be.jpg)
![How to tell if someone is lying, based on their zodiac sign](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a0bf8100fc4.jpg)
![How to keep kids safe during a heat wave](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669fda1b16851.jpg)
![The ultimate summer skin care routine](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a0f721df09f.jpg)
![What is the 'brat girl summer' trend all about?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a246addc9ca.jpg)
![Fascinating facts you probably didn't know about the Oval Office](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669f79198a06a.jpg)
![What are the ancient origins of your zodiac sign?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669e75af237bf.jpg)
![What toll does spaceflight take on astronauts?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669fa07d627e8.jpg)
![The comprehensive guide to managing and resolving credit card debt](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669fc270d28d6.jpg)
![The dangers of compartmentalizing emotions](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6697c3f7ccd57.jpg)
![Decoding Gen Z slang: a guide to staying relevant](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a0c15928804.jpg)
![The most polluted rivers in the world](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669a98796a53a.jpg)
![Fascinating dog facts that will change the way you look at your pup](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_664c9ce143f08.jpg)
![Countries with the highest disposable income, ranked](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669fad641cf77.jpg)
![How the first letter of your name defines your character](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66969fdb92841.jpg)
![How did dinosaurs grow so big?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6697d2df7ee71.jpg)
![Mediterranean tragedy: the dangerous migration routes to Europe](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669e61a422da8.jpg)
![How to grow food in the city](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_663cb61851ff9.jpg)
![Everything you need to know about slow living](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_663b862fda57a.jpg)
![The French origins of the Swedish monarchy](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_663ba08c3840f.jpg)
![What rapid weight loss can do to the body](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6641df4c4a90e.jpg)
![Your guide to starting a successful franchise](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_663a5255b413a.jpg)
![Seeking out the "four F's" of commonly foraged food](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66332bd2057c7.jpg)
![A parent's guide to raising emotionally intelligent children](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669e897d15e3e.jpg)
![How (and why) to create a personal development plan](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_664488d8abddc.jpg)
![Influential art movements of the 20th century](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_663a042eaf13d.jpg)
![The key raw materials needed to power the devices of the future](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_663ce0b155915.jpg)
![The ultimate guide to starting your own podcast](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6638ff6812c6b.jpg)
![Roman mythology: important gods and goddesses everyone should know](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66992c92c8129.jpg)
![How your zodiac sign influences your personality traits](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669a26da88b03.jpg)
![Galileo's astronomical contribution to science](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6661b4e7ddfe2.jpg)
![Is workplace "mobbing" on the rise? How to cope if you're the target](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_665ee23c803f5.jpg)
MOST READ
- Last Hour
- Last Day
- Last Week
-
1
CELEBRITY Relationships
-
2
LIFESTYLE Nature
-
3
LIFESTYLE Curiosities
-
4
TRAVEL Staycation
Be a tourist in your own city and fall in love all over again
-
5
HEALTH Covid-19
-
6
HEALTH Cognitive function
-
7
LIFESTYLE Bizarre
You won't believe these bizarre prison rules and regulations
-
8
HEALTH Bad habits
-
9
TRAVEL Destinations
-
10
TRAVEL Architecture