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The terms 'leap day' or 'leap month' are often mentioned, but few know the specific significance of these terms. The following article will provide readers with a general overview and explore interesting facts related to leap days and leap months.
Why do we have leap days?
According to scientists, the Earth's orbit around the Sun is 365 days and 6 hours. So every year in the Gregorian calendar has 365 days plus an extra 6 hours, resulting in 24 extra hours every 4 years, which equals one day. Therefore, every 4 years, there is a year with 366 days, and this day is added to February (February 29th). Hence, February 29th is called a leap day.
What's special about leap day, February 29th?
Those born on February 29th are very special because their birthdays occur only once every 4 years. This difference makes babies born on that day more special in the eyes of everyone around them.
In addition, in Western countries, this is also a day for women to propose to men. According to legend, in early 5th-century Ireland, women had to wait for men to express their love without actively seeking it themselves. This made Saint Kildare sad, lamenting to Saint Patrick.
Since then, Saint Patrick has allowed women to propose to men on leap day, February 29th. Later on, this tradition has been maintained and developed into 'Women's Rights Day' on February 29th.
In Western countries, leap day sees many festivals and even cities dedicated to those born on February 29th. There, they celebrate with grand feasts, indulge in games, and birthdays are celebrated extravagantly.
(Unlocking the secrets of leap days and leap months? Interesting facts about leap days and leap months?)
Calculating leap years in the Gregorian calendar
According to the Gregorian calendar, every 4 years there is a leap year, which also has a leap day on February 29th. You just need to divide the year by 4, if the quotient is divisible by 4, then it is a leap year. For example: 2020 divided by 4 equals 505 with no remainder, so 2020 is a leap year.
(Unraveling the mysteries of leap days and leap months? Interesting facts about leap days and leap months?)
Answering questions about leap days and leap months
- How many days are in a leap year? Answer: 366 days
- How many days are in a non-leap year? Answer: 365 days
- How many days are in February during a leap year? Answer: 29 days
- How often do leap years occur? Answer: Every 4 years, there is a leap year
Things to do on leap days and leap months
Women drinking tea
In some places, during leap months, they organize tea parties for women. The hosts will invite women from around the village to the party. This is a time for them to relax after many days of hard work, and also an opportunity for them to get to know each other and strengthen their bonds.
Returning Home for Family Meals
In China, leap months are considered unlucky, and married women have to abstain from many things during this time. Therefore, their maternal homes welcome them to stay during that leap month.
Ceremonies and Grave Visits
In some regions, leap months are a suitable time for families to visit and tend to the graves of their ancestors. The entire family participates in ceremonies, hoping that the deceased will bless the family, bring prosperity to the children's careers, and ensure the parents' health.
Gifting Umbrellas or Fans to Married Daughters
In some areas of China, parents often give umbrellas or fans to their married daughters during leap months. This implies that they hope their daughters will be cared for and have a peaceful life in their husband's home.
(Unlocking the Secrets of Leap Days and Leap Months? Interesting Facts about Leap Days and Leap Months?)
With the insights we've shared, readers can gain valuable knowledge about leap days and leap months. We hope readers can identify leap days, leap months, and leap years, thereby making personal plans accordingly.
