MBRACE A LITTLE CHANGE:
Dating back almost 2,000 years, the British started a rather unique tradition that is still carried on to this day, at least to some extent. Established by St. Patrick, this tradition involves women proposing to men on Leap Day instead of vice versa. This tradition started when St. Patrick’s wife complained about women having to wait for men to propose, so he decided that women have the ability to take the initiative once every four years.
This is a tradition that should currently continue to be embraced. Traditional views are pretty consistently evolving in most people’s eyes, and embracing this tradition allows for a temporary change to how proposals normally happen. Embracing this once-every-four year event allows for a change of pace in people’s lives without being drastic.
The idea of women proposing to men definitely challenges aspects of established gender roles, but can offer a bit of a break to both sides. For one day, the guy doesn’t have to worry about planning the perfect proposal or making any decisions that normally go into proposing. The girl gets the opportunity to take the initiative to propose herself if she is too anxious to leave that up to the guy. For Leap Day only, it’s kind of a win-win for women and men alike, as both parties have the chance to experience what the other’s life is like.
There is a large, ongoing movement right now that’s trying to achieve equality between women and men, and this tradition is a very small step in that direction. Most often, it’s the guys that get to decide when they want to take the next step in a relationship. This doesn’t really take away from that, but does establish a time when women, too, can take control.
Embracing this tradition doesn’t take away from traditional proposals, either. By supporting the idea that Leap Day proposals should come from women, it doesn’t diminish the support of traditional proposals throughout the rest of the four years.
Women’s Leap Day proposals should be welcomed if for no other reason than their long established history. The origin Sadie Hawkins Dances can actually be traced all the way back to St. Patrick and his wife. Who knew St. Patrick is responsible for more than the creation of holiday full of four leaf clovers and drinking?
Overall, women’s Leap Day proposals should be supported for a number of reasons, especially in today’s society. They are a step towards gender equality, are a historical institution and a small challenge towards traditional thinking. Leap Day proposals are a unique and interesting aspect of a Leap Year that should be embraced by people.