10 Things You Never Knew About Leap Years | The Odyssey Online
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10 Things You Never Knew About Leap Years

2016 is a lucky year!

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10 Things You Never Knew About Leap Years
USA Today

We're always so excited for the four-year mark declaring the 29th day in February. We've learned from a young age this is caused by the time it takes for the Earth to move around the sun, its 365-day, 5-hour, 48-minute, and 46-second rotation. Therefore, every four years we're granted an extra day.

But here are some interesting facts you probably have never known about leap years...

1. If you're lucky enough to be born on this special day, February 29, you're known as a "leapling" or a "leaper."

Most of them celebrate their birthday on Feb. 28 or March 1 on non-leap years. The chance of being born on a leap day is one in 1,461. There are only five million leaplings around the world.

2. A break of tradition: It's acceptable for a woman to propose to a man on Feb. 29.

St. Bridget once complained to St. Patrick about women having to wait for men to propose marriage, so Patrick supposedly gave women one day to propose!

3. The twin cities of Anthony, Texas, and Anthony, New Mexico, are the two self-proclaimed Leap year Capitals of the World.

Every four years, they hold a four-day festival, which includes a huge birthday party for all leap year babies.

4. February 29 is also Rare Disease Day.


5. A Honor Society of Leap Year Babies exists!

This is a club for people born on February 29 and they have more than 10,000 members worldwide.

6. Before Julius Caesar proposed the idea of the Year Leap, people normally observed a 355-day calendar with an extra 22-day month every two years.

7. Karin Henriksen of Norwayholds the world record for giving birth to the most children on consecutive leap days.

Her daughter Heidi was born on February 29 1960, followed by son Olav in 1964 and, finally, son Lief-Martin in 1968.


8. Famous singers and actors born on this day include: rapper, singer and actor Ja Rule, Italian model and actor Antonio Sabato Jr., singer Mervyn Warren and designer Willi Smith.

9. Special Perks! Many companies offer special deals and rewards programs on February 29.

If you were born on this day, bring your ID to Pizza Hut to be awarded a free personal pan pizza with any topping of your choice!

Not born on February 29? No problem, you can still join in the fun. Head over to Krispy Kreme on Monday; you can get a dozen original glazed donuts for $2.29 with a purchase of a dozen donuts at the regular price.

10. Although there is no official food dish assigned to celebrate Leap Day, many people eat frog's legs in commemoration.


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