As this is a leap year, traditionally this means it’s AOK for a lady to ask their beau for their hand in marriage. Long ago, society looked down on women who proposed marriage, rather than wait for their man to pop the question. When the rules of courtship were stricter, women were only allowed to pop the question on one day every four years. That day was February 29th.

It is believed this tradition was started in 5th century Ireland when St. Bridget complained to St. Patrick about women having to wait for so long for a man to propose. According to legend, St. Patrick said the yearning females could propose on this one day in February during the leap year. The first documentation of this practice dates back to 1288, when Scotland passed a law that allowed women to propose marriage to the man of their choice in that year. They also made it law that any man who declined a proposal in a leap year must pay a fine. The fine could range from a kiss to payment for a silk dress or a pair of gloves.

So, to celebrate this wonderful tradition, Australia Entertains will host 29 days of romance from 1-29 February and we’d love you to contribute by sending us your romantic proposal stories, your wedding day stories or your anniversary stories… actually anything romantic. Make sure you’re happy to have your story and pics featured on our website.

Send your stories to kathryn@pinkfrosting.com.au. I look forward to hearing from you!

Happy Celebrating!

Kathryn