Special Bite 📆 & (Whole)listic 🍃

Special Bite: Who Is St. Brigid and What Did She Have to Do With Leap Year Proposals?

Long Story Short

**cue the dramatic background music**

It was the 5th century in ancient Ireland, St. Brigid of Kildare had grown wary, waiting to be wed. She then expressed this to St. Patrick, her frustration about how women wait too long for men to propose. In response, St. Patrick granted women the right to propose on one specific day in February, occurring only in leap years. 

Following the agreement, St. Brigid asked St. Patrick to marry her—but he declined. (But gave her a silk gown to soften the rejection, as one does.)

This tradition became ingrained in Irish folklore and later spread to other cultures.

Legal & Cultural Recognition

In certain regions, such as Scotland, leap year proposals were not only part of cultural tradition but also codified into law. 

For example, in 1288, Scotland passed a law that granted women the right to propose marriage on leap years. This legal recognition formalized the tradition and gave it official standing within society.

The law also included provisions stating that if a man refused a proposal made by a woman on leap year day, he would be subject to a fine or penalty, further emphasizing the significance of the tradition.

As St. Patrick gave St. Brigid a silk gown, so must the man give something in return for refusing a Leap Year proposal.

Who Proposed Leap Day? (pun intended!)

Leap years originated from the need to synchronize the calendar year with the solar year. 

Initially introduced in the Julian calendar by Julius Caesar, in 45 BCE, leap years added an extra day to February every four years. 

Why is Leap Year Even a Thing?

Earth's orbit around the Sun takes approximately 365.25 days. That .25 is what leads to the need for leap years. Every four years, an extra day is added to the calendar on February 29th to account for the additional quarter day each year.

Leap years occur every four years, except in some cases.

• According to the Gregorian calendar:

  • Years divisible by 4 are leap years.

  • However, years divisible by 100 are not leap years, unless they are also divisible by 400.

• Years divisible by 100 are not counted as leap years, unless they are also divisible by 400.

So, for example:

• The year 1900 was not a leap year because it's divisible by 100 but not by 400.

• However, the year 2000 was a leap year because it's divisible by both 100 and 400.

This rule helps ensure that the calendar stays accurate over time by making adjustments every 100 and 400 years.

Leap years are not just about adjusting our calendars; they carry deep historical and cultural significance. From their origin in ancient Ireland to their role in modern romance. Taking a leap of faith.

Do you think you’d do it too?

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Glow Up: Tips and Tricks to Clear Skin

Your skin is more than just a covering; it reflects your inner vitality and health. As the largest organ of your body, its condition can impact your overall appearance and confidence. After all, first impressions matter, and healthy skin is often one of the first things noticed when meeting someone new.

Here are some skincare tips and tricks to getting clear skin:

Know Your Skin Type: Understanding whether your skin is oily, dry, combination, or sensitive is crucial for tailoring your skincare routine. There are two methods to determine your skin type: the bare-faced method and the blotting method.

• In the bare-faced method, wash your face with a mild cleanser, pat it dry, and assess after 30 minutes for dryness, oiliness, or a combination of both.

• Alternatively, use the blotting method by pressing a blotting paper on your skin to gauge oiliness. Little oil indicates dry skin, lots of oil suggests oily skin, and varying oil levels across different areas signal combination skin.

Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable: Shield your skin from harmful UV rays by applying sunscreen daily, regardless of the weather or season. Stick to sunscreen that is broad-spectrum and is at least SPF 30.

Prioritize Sleep and Nutrition: Adequate sleep and a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and water promote skin health from within.

Choose Skincare Products Wisely: Less is often more; go for gentle, non-comedogenic (tending to block pores on the skin) products suited to your skin type to avoid irritation and breakouts.

Embrace Simplicity: Ancient skincare practices were rooted in simplicity; prioritize natural ingredients and avoid overloading your skin with unnecessary chemicals and products.

By incorporating these simple yet effective skincare habits into your daily routine, you can nurture and protect your skin for a radiant and healthy complexion.

Remember, sunscreen remains your skin's best ally in the fight against premature aging and damage, so don't forget to apply it liberally every day.

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