Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1912-02-01

For all round interest the month of
February holds the banner Of the year.
II carries 8 large stock Of holidays for a
small notwithstanding with grounding
day on the ID. then Lncoln's birthday on
the Eth, 81. Valentines day on the 18th.
MArdi Gras hilarity on the 18th, Ash
Wednesday on the 2Ist and Washington
birthday on the I'd. So many and varied
are Its red letter days that the calendar
makers, II they were as wise as the pic
lures make them. should have stretched
the months belt instead of shortening 1t
two and three notches. Just for good
measure an extra day Is taclesd on this
year, and on this extra day Interest Gen.
tiers TO an unusual degree. Historians
assert that the purpose Of an extra day
was to sssimilate the flag ends Of time
which the thirteenth Gregory found lying
around loose when making his ealeula-
tons. But writer's equally copious and
more charming invests the day with heart
interest, in which wemankind monopolizss
the spotlight and wields the prerogauve Of
leap year any day OF the Sss
A British Investigator Of myths and ira
ditions stored in ancient libraries, says In
the London Standard that there is prac-
tically no historical record Of 'woman's
privileges" OF the year, but there Is a
mass Of traditions. Myth ascribes its In
ception 10 81. Patrick. 1t is said that
while walking by the shores Of Tough
Nesgh the saint was accosted by ST.
Bridget, who tearfully told him that there
was trouble among the nuns over whom
she ruled owing to the fact that a woman
might not propose 10 a man. II may be
remarked that. in the days OF 81. Bridget,
celibscy was not enforced as an absolute
rule for the clergy. though advocated by
the church as the proper mode Of life for
n religious.
Moved by her tears. ST. Patrick offered
to concede the coveted privilege TO women
one year in every seven. But Bridget
declared that this would never satisfy her
discontented charges, ana pleaded for at
least one year in four, enforcing her ar
gument by throwing her arms around St
P9trick's neck. "Biddy, aeushla, squeeze
rne that way again. and I'll give you
leap year the longest year In the lot"
IL said to have been his reply, and 20 the
matter was settled. Emb Ildened by her
success. Bridget straightway proposed 10
the saint himself. but being under q
strict vow Of celibacy he felt Obliged TO
refuse, smoothing over tho awkward sit
uation thus created with q kiss ami the
present OF a silk dress.
Until century ago it was q recognized
Jaw Of leap year that in tho event Of a
man declining a proposal OF marriage he
should help to alleviate the natural dis
appointment caused by his answer by
giving silk dress to his unsuccessful ad-
mlrer.
History appears to have recognized
what tradition established. and splnEters
received rare opportunity In lasS, when
by law passed In Scotland 1t was en-
acted.
at Ia statut and orviaint that during the
rein Of her malst blissit maseste. for Tx
yeare knowe as ispe year. fix hayden
ladye Of bottle hlshe and lowe estate shall
haze liberts TO bespekt yet man she likes.
albeit he refuses TO talk her TO be his law
full wife he shall be nulctsd In ye sum
ano pounds or lees. as his estsit may be.
except that avis gif he can make II APP
peare that he is bethrothit ane ither
woman he then shall be free"
shortly after this a similar statute
passed In France was approved by the
then king. The effect Of these laws "
nna hnnurr hut h.r 1sOs fho. Lam s.nar r,rI..