Durban - Every four years we experience a leap year and with this comes folklore, all sorts of beliefs, superstitions and customs that have spread from century to century and country to country.
Some of these tales have been dispelled, while others retain their status.
Myth 1: The marriage proposal
In Greece, it is believed couples shouldn’t get married during a leap year. It is said to bring bad luck to the family.
In America and England, however, people believe that in such a year women and men can switch traditional roles, allowing women to propose to men. Getting married during a leap year is considered auspicious.
Myth debunked
In South Africa, we have also adopted this myth. Many women are gearing up to go down on bended knee to ask their partner’s hand in marriage. While some women might wait for this special day, others have been doing it for years – leap year or not. In our society, we are taught to go out and take what we want. Men and women are equals, so asking your partner to marry you isn’t something you wait four years to do.
Myth 2: Children born on February 29 are unlucky
Myth debunked
What absolute twaddle! These “leapers” or “leap year babies”, as they are known, are able to celebrate their birthdays on either February 28 or March 1. Their birthday is also considered to be one of the most important and necessary days in our solar system. The chance of being born on February 29 is 1 in 1 461. How special is that?
Myth 3: Leap Year = Natural Disasters
It is believed that more natural disasters and calamities happen during a leap year. Many superstitious people recommend that nothing new be undertaken: houses should not be built, people should not buy a new home and, generally, we should make no changes in our lives.
Myth debunked
No economy is going to stop working because one additional day has been added to the calendar. In fact, we should use this day to our advantage, after all it does only come around every four years.
Mahesh Bang, a Vedic astrologer, says this leap year has no importance in Vedic astrology. “You can change homes, get married and start businesses, many people have successfully done this in past leap years.”
He did mention, in a general prediction, that this year will see a slump in the economy worldwide and crime, unrest, terror attacks, road accidents, plane crashes, disease outbreaks and natural disasters could happen, which has nothing to do with the leap year.
Myth 4: You can get away with crime on February 29
Legend has it that if a crime is committed on this day, it will not be regarded as one.
Myth debunked
A crime is a crime, and despite the date it was committed, the perpetrator will still have his/her day in court.
Other myths
According to superstition, mortality rates are higher during leap years. This has not been proven to be statistically true.
The elderly should not celebrate their birthdays in a leap year. Celebrating is said to bring death around faster.
If your child grows his/her first tooth during a leap year, do not celebrate it. Superstition is that, if it is celebrated, the rest of your child’s teeth will not grow well and your child will suffer forever.
Sunday Tribune