2024 is defined as a leap year, which means that one extra day will be added to the calendar. In the article, we will consider why such years are called leap years and what signs and restrictions are associated with this period.
Why is 2024 a leap year?
The term "high" came to us from Ancient Rome and means "second sixth". The term was coined by the Roman emperor Gaius Julius Caesar over two thousand years ago. According to the Julian calendar, which was introduced by Caesar, one day is added to the calendar every four years to correct the discrepancy between the length of the year of 365 days and 6 hours.
It is February 29 that is considered a leap day, and this became a tradition due to the fact that in ancient Rome this day was considered the "second sixth" before the onset of the March calends.
How many days in a leap year?
In a leap year, there are 366 days instead of the usual 365. This means that in 2024 we will live one day longer, which is 8784 hours, 527040 minutes and 31622400 seconds.
In folk tradition, leap years were considered unlucky and dangerous. There were many omens and prohibitions associated with this period:
- Do not start construction: it was believed that a house built in a leap year would fall victim to a fire.
- Abstaining from weddings: Marriage during this period was considered unlucky, so couples avoided such events. If there was already a need for a wedding ceremony, the words "I crown with a crown, not a leaping end" should have been uttered.
- Celebrating the first tooth: It was not recommended to celebrate the cutting of the first tooth in a child, because it led to the loss of all teeth.
- A sign for spouses: those who divorced in a leap year should purchase a towel for the church ceremony.
- Collecting herbs on Ivan Kupala: before collecting medicinal herbs during this period, it was recommended to pray.
The modern church declares that the leap year has no effect on the spouses, but just in case, you can use the advice of our ancestors to preserve harmony in the family.
