Society has always frowned upon women who made the first move. However, there are times when society states a woman can make the first move and ask for the hand of her man in marriage and that is during a leap year.

In a Leap year there is that famous one day every four years when the calendar indicates that there is a 29th of February. The tradition which allows a woman to propose marriage to a man is observed in most cultures and if you are raring to ask your man to marry then this is the best time to ask those words. Legend has it that the tradition began in Ireland some time in the 5th century when St. Patrick declared that females can start proposing or make known their feelings to a man during a leap year.

However, legends as to the origin of the leap year go beyond that. The tradition was made into a law in Scotland sometime in 1288. Aside from legalizing the power of women to propose marriage to a man, the law also penalized men who declined a marriage proposal during the leap year. The penalty can be a kiss or a payment for a female item like a pair of gloves.

The more liberated Americans called this special day the Sadie Hawkins Day (after a female character in a comic strip by Al Capp) although they prefer to celebrate it in November when it was first mentioned in the said cartoon series.

But as the female population the world over rejoices over the liberties that are afforded to them, the Greeks believe that getting married during one of these year can bring bad luck to the bride and groom. Thus, Greek couples may get engaged but they will postpone the planning and the wedding ceremony for the next year. No matter what, modern day women are empowered to do whatever it is they want to do including asking the hand of their men in marriage. However, proposing to your man during a time in accordance with the tradition can be more fun and memorable for both of you.

So go ahead, pop the question before ladies' privilege is over. So will you marry me?