What is leap year? #4

     What is a leap day? Is it a day about frogs? Is it a day you are leaping into the future? Many must remember this special day since it only occurs every 4 years. Did you know the chance of being born on this day was one to roughly 1,460 chance! (greenlight). Many were lucky to finally celebrate their "actual" birthday this year. February 29th is a day created by the most famous Roman emperor, Julius Caesar. He created his "Year of Confusion" in 46 B.C. This meant the year would be 445 days longer than the typical 365 days. He made a "365.25-day year a tiny bit longer than the 365.2422 solar year and added a leap day every fourth year." (National Geographic Kids). Caesar chose February as his month for the extra day since it was the final month with fewer days in the year. He also took inspiration from the Egyptians when he was making his "Julian" calendar (East Texas News) 

    The 29th of February has a lot of history and "old wives' tales." This day also marks a "Dark Day in Salem." This is the day the Salem Witch Trials officially "kicked off," as one knows how those trials ended. The 29th is also considered to be unlucky for love in some cultures. The tale goes that if one were to get married, one's marriage would be "doomed"(Ripleys). It was also known that an Irish tradition was that if the woman proposed to the man, he would have to accept it. (irishcentral). 

    Personally, my experiences have been great! Leap year has brought me many challenges since I only get a birthday every four years. When I was younger, my mom took me to Disneyland, where they had a leap year celebration. This was back in 2012; since then, there has not been a celebration. Now, this does mean I have 2 different ages. As of this year, I have been alive for 20 years, which means I've only had 5 birthdays. Crazy right! Now, jokes aside, this does have its benefits since you only get a birthday every four years. Many make this day a huge celebration. There have even been movies that have shown how crazy February 29th is. 
    Many who share this day even have Facebook, Instagram, or Reddit groups to share their stories. People often create time capsules marking this particular day, play leapfrog, learn about leap day, and even make plans for the next leap year! (The Today Show) There are many ways everyone around the world celebrates this day! The next leap year will be in 2028! I can't wait for the next leap year when I turn 6!