February 29: 5 fun facts about the leap day and leap year

Today is February 29, the extra day we add to our calendars in leap years, which occurs every four years.

Why the extra day, dubbed the Leap Day? This is done to make sure that the calendar year matches the solar year, the time it takes for the Earth to make one trip around the sun.

The calendar year is only 365 days, but the Earth's revolution around the sun takes approximately 365 days and six hours. By adding an extra day every four years, this discrepancy is corrected and ensures that the seasons will arrive at roughly the same time each year.

Here are some fun facts about the leap year.

1. Not all years divisible by 4 is a leap year

Because leap years occur every four years, it follows that years divisible by four, such as 2020 and 2024, are leap years—but not all.

A year that is divisible by 100, but not by 400, is not a leap year. 2000 was a leap year, as was 1600. But 1700, 1800, and 1900 are not leap years.

Why is this the case? Remember Earth's revolution duration: approximately 365 days and six hours. Key word is "approximately," which means this is not exact: the actual duration is actually a bit less than that. To account for this, we will need to forego three leap years every 400 years.

2. In Ireland, women propose to men on Leap Day

Don't worry about taking the first move my girlies, as you can propose to your boyfriend on Leap Day!

In Ireland, it is acceptable for women to propose to their boyfriend on February 29. This Irish tradition could be traced back to the fifth century and St. Brigid of Kildare. Brigid insisted that St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, permit women to propose marriage every leap day. When Patrick agreed, legend has it that Brigid immediately proposed to him.

To know more about this Irish tradition you can watch the American film "Leap Day" starring Amy Adams, where her character went to Ireland to propose to her Irish boyfriend.

3. The Greeks consider this an unlucky day

Unlike Ireland, some European countries are skeptical when it comes to Leap Day.

According to Greek traditions, marrying during a leap year, particularly on leap day, is unlucky and believed to lead to divorce.

In Scotland, there is a belief that those who are born on leap day will live a life of untold suffering.

Meanwhile, in Italy, people say, "Anno bisesto, anno funesto," which translates as, "leap year, doom year."

4. There are two "Leap Year Capitals of the World"

For many, Leap Day is just an ordinary day in the calendar. But not that's the case for the people of Texas and New Mexico.

Anthony, Texas, and Anthony, New Mexico both claim the title "Leap Year Capital," holding lavish, multi-day celebrations each leap year. So if you happen to visit any of these places on a Leap Day, expect an extravagant celebration.

5. More than 4 million people in the world are leaplings

People who were born in the Leap Day are called leaplings.

If you were born on February 29th, you have more than four million birthday twins in the world.

On non-leap years, some leaplings choose to celebrate their birthdays on either February 28 or March 1.

Are you looking for your fellow leaplings? There is an international club for leaplings called The Honor Society of Leap Year Babies, and you might want to sign up and meet your fellow leaplings!

—MGP, GMA Integrated News