SkyDating

• Home
• Dating Tips
• Women to propose in the leap year

Women to propose in the leap year

Katie Silcox | Friday 15 February 2008 | 15:47

Looking for love? Join now and meet local singles online 

Great Britain: Women can propose on February 29th

According to legend, this is because in old English law February 29th had no legal status. The English people believed that if the day was ignored, so to could their traditions be ignored - thus, the traditionally male proposal was turned on its head – allowing women to take the reins and propose. Other reasoning is that as the day was used as a means of ‘fixing’ the calendar – it could also be used as a way of ‘fixing’ old traditions.

In 13th century Scotland, a law was passed stating that should any man turn down a female proposal – he must pay a fine.

Greece: No marriage in the leap year

Following in leap year superstitions is Greece; here it is traditionally believed that if a couple are to marry in a leap year (the entire year, not only Feb 29th), then the couple will have bad luck for the future. Apparently, one in five Greek couples still believe, trust in and carry out this superstition.

Venezuela: No goodbyes after marriage

It is customary in Venezuela for newly-weds to sneak out of their wedding reception without saying goodbye to their guests. This is considered to bring luck to the new couple.

Ireland: The Claddagh Ring

Many Irish wear a Claddagh ring to symbolise either friendship or love. Traditionally this ring was used as a marriage ring and was not allowed to be bought by oneself, it had to be given as a gift. The Claddagh design is two hands holding a heart, and above the heart is a crown. If the owner of the Claddagh ring is married, the ring should be worn with the crown facing down (towards the knuckle).

Mexico: Lasso’s

Symbolically in Mexico, a ‘lasso’ is wrapped around the necks of the couple to be married. Fear not, this ‘lasso’ is not made of thick rope, but instead is usually a white ribbon. It is used to portray the joining of the couple.

Russia: No ring (or anything!) given on proposal

Traditionally in Russia, when a man proposes to a women, no ring is given. In fact, nothing needs to be given at all! Sometimes the man will buy his ‘fiancé-to-hopefully-be’ some flowers, but no more at this early stage. Russian couples do however exchange rings in the wedding ceremony – these are chosen together and bought by the groom. Rings are usually plain gold bands and are worn on the same finger, opposite hand to wedding rings in Great Britain. If a Russian wears a ring on the British ‘engagement finger’, it means that the person has previously been married but is no longer.

China: Chopstick superstitions

According to old Chinese beliefs, the position in which a girl holds her chopsticks can show how far she will have to travel to find her loved one. Thus if chopsticks are held at the top, the girls future husband will live far away, but if she holds them very close to the bottom, the girl may marry next door.

South Africa: Re-light my fire

Once married, the bride and groom’s parents would traditionally light a fire from their home fireplace and carry this to the home of the new couple in order to light a fire in their home. Let’s hope the parents and the happy-couple live close to each other!

Email a Friend Print Page

User Comments