Friday, February 29, 2008

Miss Ollie's Leap Year Card from Itawamba County: 1912

This illustration is from a post card mailed in Itawamba County during 1912 to Ollie Gregory from her beau.

Leap Year has been the traditional time in past times that a woman could propose marriage to a man. It is believed this tradition started in Ireland during the 5th Century. The first documented evidence of this practice is during 1288, when in Scotland, a law was passed that allowed women to propose marriage to their man of choice during that year. If a man declined the proposal the law stated he must pay a fine. That fine could range from a kiss to a pair of gloves.

Happy Leap Day!

Source: Leap Year Traditions from About.com: Marriage
 

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