Leaps and Shakes

[emmelinemay]

There is a tradition that women may make a proposal of marriage to men only in leap years, further restricted in some cases to only February 29. There is a belief that in 1288 the Scottish parliament under Queen Margaret legislated that any woman could propose in Leap Year. Another component of this tradition was that if the man rejects the proposal, he should soften the blow by providing a kiss, one pound currency, and a pair of gloves (some later sources say a silk gown).

ooh, a pound and a new dress!!

There was an earthquake last night? Damn, I missed it :(

Comments

[shackers.livejournal.com]

and a kiss...
but what happens if he says yes?

[emmelinemay.livejournal.com]

Yeah, not worth the risk really, is it.

[angel-emma.livejournal.com]

I think most of us were sleeping so it can't have been that bad or it would have woken us up!

Hmmm not sure about the gloves though!!

[emmelinemay.livejournal.com]

Seems like the people that were awake felt it. I am sad I missed it, I've always wanted to feel a (mild!!) earthquake. I guess Buncefield blowing up counted - that was far more violent as it woke us all up and broke glasses in the kitchen!!

Yeah, I'd rather have a new dress.

[ant-girl.livejournal.com]

It woke me up. :-)

I think it was probably a bit stronger up here though...

[medusa-nw.livejournal.com]

And me. I'm in London, but a really light sleeper. Having said that, I still went 'huh, the bed is moving and the building is creaking', turned over and fell asleep again. When I woke up I was convinced I'd dreamt it, until I saw the news. :-)

[jez-alone.livejournal.com]

I could really use a pair of nice leather gloves...hmmmm.

Who should I ask?????

[emmelinemay.livejournal.com]

You need to find someone who'll definitely say no...

[jez-alone.livejournal.com]

now THAT shouldn't be a problem!

[maybetwisted.livejournal.com]

'will you marry me?'

NO

'great! you owe me a dress!'

[jez-alone.livejournal.com]

Please....do you think the cost of a dress would make someone take up a proposal from me?

Pulease!

[kiss-me-quick.livejournal.com]

I think I shall ask as many men as possible then. Though do I really need that many pairs of gloves?