Leap Year: Is It Really Unlucky?
What would we be without legends, beliefs and traditions? We would certainly change the way we see the world.
One of the most famous myths is the one that runs around February 29, that is, the leap year.
Every four years we have an extra day that serves to avoid the shift of seasons and 2020 is just one of these leap years. Precisely because of its link with the unknown and space over the centuries, February 29 has always been the subject of beliefs and superstitions, but let's see together the mysterious reasons.
If you are curious to discover all the most bizarre traditions in the world, look here:
The mensis feralis of the ancient Romans
In Ancient Rome, February was traditionally the month of Feralìa or that month dedicated to funeral rites and the dead.
The fact that during the leap years, February had one more day, made it even more gloomy as if it were one more sad day.
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The fifteenth century and the epidemics
In the darkest centuries of the history of mankind, everything was an omen and a symptom of divine wrath.
But it was Michele Savonarola, a doctor and scientist of the fifteenth century, who decreed that leap years were the bearers of epidemics and tragedies, as well as famines and wars.
It is difficult today to attribute all the misadventures of the Middle Ages to one day of the year and yet as you can well imagine, for the population of the time it was very easy to believe the doctor's sentence.
The beliefs of the sea
Sailors have always been among the most superstitious categories.
No women on board, no haircuts and nails on sunny days, no sneezing while boarding a boat and avoid dying at sea (as if it were easy to avoid). infamous February 29.
When do you celebrate name days and birthdays?
One of the most frequent doubts about February 29 is how to celebrate it for those born on that day and any four-year name days.
As for birthdays, there is a tendency to celebrate March 1st as celebrating earlier, apparently, brings bad luck in turn.
The saints of February 29, on the other hand, are added to those of 28.
If you were born on February 29th, this year you are allowed to organize an incredible party!
2020 is the "year of love"
There are those who do not care about superstition and in 2020 will crown their dream of love.
In fact, there are many couples who have decided to get married during this year. But if your other half has asked you to get married and you are not convinced to get married because you fear the reprisals of the cosmos, rest assured!
Apparently everything that will begin in 2020 is born under a lucky star!
