Leap Year, Leap Beer
The universe has a way of messing up otherwise tidy human inventions.
For instance, we’ve got a nice, logical calendar that says a year consists of 365 days during which the earth orbits the sun.
Well, it’s actually 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, 45 seconds.
To keep that pesky extra time from messing up the calendar, February 29, Leap Day, is added every four years. (Math purists will note there are still 45 minutes not accounted for from adding a day, but that gets handled by skipping Leap Day about every few centuries.)
Leapin’ Leapers
People born on February 29 are called “leapers” or “leaplings.” Based on actual birthdate, a leaper celebrates only once every four years, which is sad if you like birthday parties or happy if you are sensitive about your age.
Old Leap Traditions
Being the calendar oddity that it is, Leap Year has inspired some peculiar traditions:
- At one time in the British Isles, February 29 was a day when women could propose to men. Men who declined the proposal could be fined.
- In other countries, the unusual date assumes ominous interpretations.
- In Italy, there is a saying, “anno bisesto, anno funesto” (leap year, gloomy year).
- In Taiwan, parents are thought more likely to die during a leap year. In response, a married woman traditionally returns to the parental home during February with a gift of pig trotter noodles as a wish for good health and luck.
- In Russia, crazy weather and a higher risk of death are associated with a Leap Year.
- Traditionally, Greeks believe it’s unlucky to marry during a Leap Year – especially on Leap Day.
- On a more upbeat note, the town of Anthony, TX crowned itself the Leap Year Capital of the World in 1988 and has held a February 29 festival every four years since.
A New Leap Tradition – Bring on the Beer!
Its time for an injection of craft beer positivity to leap year! For beer lovers, a group always on the lookout for an opportunity to enjoy their favorite beverage, Leap Day is a perfect occasion for a craft brew event.
In that spirit, the Minnesota Brewery Running Series inaugurates a new tradition, the LEAP BEER SNOW DASH on Saturday, February 29, at 11:00 AM. The course spans a 0.5-mile distance between Dual Citizen Brewing Co and The Lab Brewery + Pilot Facility.
Help us ring in the new tradition on Saturday, February 29 with fun, exercise, and a little beer. Remember, “Leap Day beer, good luck all year.”
~Cheers to our contributor, Pete Keers, Concision Communications