Leap of Love with GemSelect
Valentine’s Day this year happened to fall on a leap year; an extra day that only occurs every four years. To most people, this simply means that we have another day at the end of February, but for others a leap year has a special meaning. In the gem and jewelry industry, Valentine’s Day is usually a busy time, but during a leap year, Valentine’s Day takes on an additional significance.
According to a 19th century tradition, a leap year is a time for women to propose marriage to men. Before the feminists leap to the conclusion that it is fine for them to propose at any time that they like, it is important to realize that hundreds of years ago, this was deemed socially unacceptable. Legend has it that St Patrick bestowed this privilege on womankind when a St Brigid complained that women have to wait a long time for men lacking confidence to propose. Sadly, in the early 1900s, women who proposed on a leap year were depicted as desperate predators rather than fearless femmes fatales.
Many ladies help to finance their own engagement ring, or are involved in the design. If we are to have proper equality, this is fair, and from a practical point of view, it is a good idea to make sure you like something that you intend to wear every day for the rest of your life. There’s a sure way to get the ring you want - buy and design it yourself! Valentine’s Day on a leap year presents the perfect opportunity to do something different. Marriage on Valentine’s Day is a very easy to remember anniversary date, and a cheeky two-in-one for those who are not keen to splash out on several romantic celebrations each year. For those who are not yet ready to take the plunge, a promise ring is another great option to make a big gesture without having to commit to a lifelong romance.
It is said that in some countries, men who refuse a lady’s leap year proposal traditionally paid a penalty, of a kiss, money, fabric for a gown or a dozen pairs of gloves to help hide her bare ring finger. It’s a shame that the penalty was not a piece of jewelry, which would enable a woman to gain a ring whether she was becoming engaged or not. Some may consider it unfair that there is no such conventional penalty that men are entitled to when women refuse proposals. While it is not easy to heal a broken heart, a small consolation could help to soften the blow of a refusal to a hopeful romantic.
According to some, women proposing on leap year originated from the extra day in February not being accounted for under English law, leaving scope to depart from convention. It is said that in Scotland, a lady intending to propose on a leap year should wear a visible red petticoat, though whether this was meant as a warning or a banner or joy is uncertain. Not all countries follow the same lore; in Greece, it is considered by many to be unlucky to marry during a leap year, and even worse, on a leap day.
A leap year proposal takes some of the pressure off our men. After all, they are only human and are usually happy to be the ones upon whom loving attention is lavished now and again. Since men do not traditionally wear engagement rings, any lady intending to take a leap of faith and propose can take note that any piece of male jewelry that will last is an appropriate gift. In the end, perhaps it does not matter who does the proposing, but that it arises from feelings of mutual love and respect. GemSelect would like to wish you all a very happy Valentine’s Day whether you are going to take a leap of love or not!
