Just in case you forgot to check your calendar, today is not March 1^st. It is February 29^th, the rare day added to the end of the third month in a leap year. 

Fun Facts about February 29^th

• The added day occurs every four years to help balance the Georgian Calendar that we use.
  
  
• Other calendars that use alternate methods of leap years include the Julean Calendar, the Mayan Calendar, the Chinese Calendar and the Jewish Calendar.
  
  
• Workers who receive salaried paychecks essentially receive no compensation on a leap day.

• Some commemorate the day by keeping with the leap day custom created by Queen Margaret of Scotland where marriage proposal roles are reversed: the woman can propose marriage to the man she wishes to build a home and family with by presenting the diamond engagement ring she intends to wear!
  
  
• According to folklore, Danish men who snub a woman’s leap day marriage proposal must present a dozen pairs of gloves to recompense the insult and damages while Finnish men are obligated to give material to create a skirt with. 
  
  
• Most Greeks actually evade a leap year marriage due to the ‘bad luck’ locals associate with the timing.

• Anthony, Texas is the US ‘Leap Year Capital of the World’ where a gala celebration is held on the 29^th of February including a tour of the Aztec Cave and jubilant square dancing.

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• Leaplings - those born on February 29^th - relish the one day in four years that they can actually accurately celebrate their birthday!
  
  
• James Milne Wilson was the 8th premier of Tasmania, Australia. He was a remarkable leapling that was born on February 29th of the 1812 leap year and died on February 29 in the leap year of 1880.   

• Historically, stargazers have attributed uncommon talent, persona and abilities to those born on the auspicious day.
  

PRIME Insurance brings this intriguing fact-article to the reading public as part of its ongoing educational blog series. An experienced independent agency, PRIME has been recognized for its excellence by numerous industry-related awards and by being appointed to conduct direct business with over 40 of the leading insurance companies.

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