Now we’ve moved on to March, everyone has confirmed that 2023 wasn’t a leap year. However, that hasn’t stopped us from wondering how February 29 birthdays are celebrated each year. With the extra day happening next year, we look at how leap year birthdays work each year.
It’s known for being the day when women propose to men (even if that is a bit outdated) and confusing everyone as to why it happens. However, for a few people, it’s also their true birthday. Though it doesn’t happen very often, the concept is one we’ve all pondered. Luckily, we can answer your curiosities about leap day birthdays.
How Do Leap Year Birthdays Work?
Depending on what country those born on February 29 are from, their official birthday will be either February 28 or March 1.
Being able to celebrate your birthday once every four years doesn’t really work. Physically, ageing doesn’t really follow those rules, and no one wants a party every four years either. Legally, turning 16, 18 and 21 are quite important for what you’re allowed to do. So, having a birthday that happens every year is kind of necessary.
That being said, we imagine that leap year, those with a February 29 birthday party pretty hard.
If you are born on leap day, then you are known as a leapling, leaper or a leapster. Though that’s not something your country makes official.
In the UK, leaplings are given a March 1 birthday in common years. However, In New Zealand, it would be February 28. We’re not sure what is better, to be honest, but being born on February 29 is definitely something to brag about.
It happening might not be as rare as you think either. Whilst it’s definitely the rarest birthday, over 4 million people were born on leap day, with a one in 1,461 chance of it happening!
February 29 Birthday Records
Some people see the challenge of a leap day birthday and think that it’s not rare enough and have to step it up.
One of which is the Keogh family. They are the only family on record to have three consecutive generations born on February 29. Peter Anthony was born on that day in 1940 and his son, Peter Eric was born on the same day in 1964. 32 years later, Peter Eric’s daughter Bethany was born on leap day in 1996! Perhaps the tradition will continue!
Another is the Henriksen family are record holders for most children born on the day. Karin Henriksen has given birth to three children all born on February 29 but in different years!
We’re sorry if your leap year birthday doesn’t feel quite as special now…