LEAP DAY

Leap Years are special. They only happen after four years. The leap years have 366 days, and the extra one is called the leap day.

What is the history of a leap Day?

Leap years were came to effect 2000 years ago. They were introduced by the Roman general Julius Ceaser with the help of the Egyptians. Ceaser had been in Egypt for some time, and he was assured that the Egyptian solar calendar was very powerful. The calendar had an occasional intercalary month inserted when astronomers observed certain conditions in the stars. Ceaser modified the calendar by adding an extra day every fourth year instead of relying on stars. In 45 BCE, his Julian calendar was implemented, and a leap day was added after every four years. At that time, February was the last calendar month, and the leap day was February 24. The Julian Calendar was a bit off, and there were complaints of having too many leap years. In 1582 the Gregorian calendar was introduced, and the bissextile formula was adopted for a more precise calculation of the leap years.

When is Leap Day?

The leap day occurs on February 29. Standard years have 28 days in February, but an extra day is added in the leap years. Leap years are usually divisible by 400.

Why is a leap year necessary?

For 365 and ¼ days, planet earth goes around the sun. An extra day after four years helps in maintaining the consistency of this rotation. Leap days are crucial as they align our calendars to the Earth’s revolutions around the sun. Without a leap day, after every four years, we would lose about six hours every year.

Things to do on Leap day

Leap Day celebrations occur after four years, and they are marked with plenty of traditions. According to an Irish legend, women can propose to their men on this day. If you have been eyeing a ring in your finger, reverse the roles and pop the question.

As a man, you better make sure that you accept the proposal. Otherwise, a legend dictates that you buy your lady 12 pairs of gloves to hide the embarrassing engagement finger.

If you were born on a leap day, then you are a leapling. Enjoy this day as your birthdate will not be coming again until after four years. Invite friends, have fun and make an effort to live a mark on your special day.