This is why women are 'allowed' to propose on 29 February

A leap year is an event that only comes around once every four years, where February is one day longer than normal.

We’ll be treated to a 29 February in 2020 and, traditionally, women are ‘allowed’ to propose to their significant other on that date.

Where does the proposal tradition come from?

According to tradition, women are permitted to propose to their other half during a leap year - and specifically on 29 February itself.

The origin of the tradition is said to stem from ancient Irish history, beginning in the fifth century, in Ireland.

It is believed that a nun named Saint Bridget complained to Saint Patrick that women had to wait too long for their suitors to propose. Legend has it that Saint Patrick then decreed that women could have the opportunity to pop the question - but only on a particular day in February, every four years.

Proposal day penalties

It is believed that the Irish tradition permitting women to propose on one day every four years was then taken to Scotland by Irish monks.