The month of February
It is the beginning of February - the shortest month of the year! This specific month gets a double ‘yay’ as it is a Leap Year, and we all get paid a bit earlier this month!
In a Leap Year, the month of February has one extra day added to the usual 28 days. This phenomenon only occurs once every four years, and for many a Leap Year has quite a few connotations and beliefs entwined in it.
Certain beliefs, myths and superstitions have survived through the years and these days some couples still bask in the age-old traditions. One such tradition that has been passed on- originating in Ireland in the 5th century- is that ‘yearning females’ can “pop the question” only on the 29th of February which occurs every 4th year! This decision by St. Patrick was made due to St. Bridget who complained that women were frowned upon if they asked a man’s hand in marriage and had to sit around and wait patiently for a man to propose.
On the flipside, a ‘negative’ superstition that has been passed on about the Leap Year by the Greeks, is that couples who get married during a Leap Year will have bad luck. In this day and age, it is estimated that one out of every five couples will still not plan their wedding, or get married in a Leap Year due to this belief.
Not only is February the month that gets influenced by the Leap Year, it is also the month in which a little chubby angel, armed with a bow and arrow makes his rounds. It is the month of love and the time couples celebrate Valentine’s Day!
The Christmas decorations have come down, and now another transformation of red fills the shops. It doesn’t matter how much you fight against it, the décor, the hearts and all the cute tokens of love for sale will put anyone in the right romantic mood.
Whether you like to go all out, or prefer to keep things low key, there are quite a few romantic ideas and things to do in and around Cape Town! Linked is an article filled with romantic ideas for any time of the year, specifically focused on ideas of things to surprise your loved one with in and around the magical Mother City.