Leap Day: Why February 29 Exists

SOURCE npr.org
Leap day, February 29, occurs nearly every four years to make up for the fact that a year is not exactly 365 days. It has historical roots in various civilizations and different calendar systems. Leap day impacts birthdays, calendar systems, and traditions like women proposing to men. Some propose changing to a Permanent Calendar for consistency.

Key Points

  • Leap day is necessary due to Earth's orbit taking about 365.242190 days
  • Various civilizations and calendar systems have incorporated leap years
  • Leap day impacts birthdays and traditional gender roles in proposals
  • Proposals for a Permanent Calendar suggest a leap week instead of a leap day

Pros

  • Helps adjust the calendar to match Earth's orbit around the sun
  • Adds uniqueness to birthdays falling on February 29

Cons

  • Can lead to confusion and logistical issues with date recognition
  • Traditions like women proposing may have darker origins