Facts You May Not Know About Leap Day

1. Birthday Blues

Persons born on leap day, Feb. 29, are called "leaplings" or "leapers." However fun it may be to rib them for enjoying 75 percent fewer birthdays than the rest of us over the course of their lives, they do have the special privilege, between leap years, of celebrating their nativity a full day earlier if they so choose. It was once thought that leapling babies would inevitably prove sickly and "hard to raise," though no one remembers why. (Fact courtesy about.com)

2. A Different Proposal

According to an old Irish legend, or possibly history, St. Bridget struck a deal with St. Patrick to allow women to propose to men – and not just the other way around – every 4 years. This is believed to have been introduced to balance the traditional roles of men and women in a similar way to how Leap Day balances the calendar. (Fact courtesy timeanddate.com)

3. Do You Feel Lucky?

In Scotland, it used to be considered unlucky for someone to be born on Leap Day, just like Friday the 13th is considered an unlucky day by many. In Greece it’s said to be unlucky for couples to marry during a Leap Year, and especially on Leap Day. (Fact courtesy timeanddate.com)

4. Leapers Have Talent

According to astrologers, those born under the sign of Pisces on Feb. 29 have unusual talents and personalities reflecting their special status. (Fact courtesy chiff.com)

5. Mickey and Minnie are Working Overtime

Those living or vacationing in Orlando, Fla., and Anaheim, Calif., probably know Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland will be open for 24 hours straight on Feb. 29. The event, dubbed "One More Disney Day," will mark the first time in Disney's history that both parks will operate for 24 hours at the same time. From 6 a.m. to 6 a.m. on March 1, the gates will be open and the first 2,000 guests who enter can don special Mickey Mouse ear hats. (Fact courtesy latimes.com)