The tradition of women proposing marriage on a leap day is not for everyone, as marts across the country are urging farmers to attend sheep sales instead.
Today (Thursday, February 29) is a leap day, which is associated with the Irish tradition of a woman being able to propose marriage during February 29, a date in the calendar that occurs every four years.
However, Ballinrobe Mart in Co. Mayo are appealing to farmers today to “avoid the leap year proposals and flock to Ballinrobe Mart instead”.
The mart has called upon farmers to “stay safe from surprise engagements and enjoy the excitement of our sheep ring” during the weekly sheep sale.
“Who needs a ring when you have rings of sheep to admire?” they added.
Leap day
Some believe the tradition of women proposing marriage began with the saints Brigid and Patrick, when it was agreed between them that women should be allowed to propose for a single day every four years.
The tradition is believed to have been carried on for centuries, with other traditions pouring from the custom, including if the marriage proposal was refused by the man, he would be expected to pay.
The day is also known as Bachelor’s Day, or Ladies’ Privilege, but in Ballinrobe Mart, it is the day they host their regular sheep sale.
The sale has kicked off today at 11:00a.m, where there is said to be a “good variety” of sheep for sale.
The mart has described the sale as a “once in a lifetime event” as they have never had a Thursday, February 29 sheep sale before.
Ballinrobe Mart has reminded farmers of an important date for their calendars, the next leap day that will fall on a Thursday.
It will occur in 2052, not for another 28 years, when it will be hoped that the hogget trade is continuing the current price trends seen recently.