June 25, 2025 Trending New York News

Leap year, all the disasters related to February 29: from Julius Caesar to the coronavirus

Here it is, on February 29th. The extra day that occurs every four years with its ballast of superstitions and fears. This year falls on Saturday and faces a hostage world of the Coronavirus, prey to the fear of global contagion. A coincidence, of course – we are not superstitious – which however reinforces the belief that the leap year is the bearer of all kinds of bad luck. February 29 is the very essence of the leap year: it is the day introduced in order to balance the six hours that advance each year. Read also: From Nostradamus to Mussolini, all the prophecies about the coronavirus It was wanted by Julius Caesar who asked, on Cleopatra’s advice, for advice to the astronomer Sosigene of Alexandria. He invited the emperor to include in his calendar one more day every four years immediately after February 24 which was the sexto die ante Calendas Martias, the sixth day before the March calendars. That day it became the bis sexto die (hence the leap term). For the ancient Romans, February was the month of rites dedicated to the dead, the one in which the Terminalia dedicated to Termine, god of the Borders, and the Equirias, races that celebrated the conclusion of a cosmic cycle took place. Events that are anything but happy and hence the idea that the leap year is a harbinger of misfortune. Many proverbs reinforce the idea that longer years are also the most exposed to the whims of the case and advise against starting businesses and even joining in marriage (When the year comes bisesto do not put bugs and do not make a nesto; year that bisesta does not marry and does not graft). There are even more tragic sayings such as: sad year, fatal year; leap who cries and who screams; and even a sad year that passes soon. Idioms that make you want to close your eyes and wake up in four years. THE PAST Going back in time it turns out that: in a leap year, 1908, the earthquake destroyed Messina; in 1968 the earth shook in Belice; in 1976 in Friuli and in 1980 in Irpinia; in 2004 the tsunami devastated Southeast Asia. By 2012 the Mayans had even predicted the end of the world, obviously it went well. 2016 was marred by the attacks in Brussels, Orlando and Nice, followed by the earthquake in central Italy. But those who believe in these coincidences forget all the disasters – both natural and caused by men – with which the newspapers and news programs are full every day of each year. Just think of the 2009 Eagle earthquake, the attack on the Twin Towers of 2001, not to mention the outbreak of World War II. And for 2020? “The great plague in the maritime city will not end before death will be avenged for the right blood for innocent condemned prisoner, for the great lady for simulated outrage,” wrote Nostradamus in the 2:53 centurian of his book of prophecies. For many, the “great plague” the astrologer talks about would be the Coronavirus epidemic. It does not matter that the clairvoyant indicates a seaside town. Here is the explanation: Wuhan is not wet by the waters but one of the circulating hypotheses is that the virus has found its starting point in the fish market of the Chinese city. The prediction is so vague that, if you want, a connection with the virus is always found. Nostradamus for 2020 has made four other predictions: considering that we are only at the beginning of this leap year, here is what we can expect. Britain should have a new king, but the clairvoyant does not specify whether Elizabeth dies or voluntarily gives up the scepter. In North Korea, a change of power should occur and Russia should play a leading role in this revolution. Finally, a devastating earthquake in California should also arrive. Let’s do everything, forget Nostradamus and embrace the Northern European idea that leap years bring prosperity and luck. In Anglo-Saxon countries, February 29 is the only day when women are able to ask the boyfriend for his hand and not vice versa as tradition dictates. It was Saint Patrick who granted this honor to the ladies after the pressure of Santa Brigida. If a man receives a proposal on February 29, he is stuck: he must necessarily say yes. This obligation is due to Queen Margaret of Scotland who, in the thirteenth century, imposed a very high tax on boyfriends who refused the February 29 proposal. Even today, in some North European countries, males who reject a girl on a leap day must compensate her by giving her clothes. And who was born on February 29th? Legend has it that he’s lucky. Maybe because instead of falling back on February 28th or March 1st, he can choose to celebrate his birthday every four years. And hide his real age. by Lucia Esposito

in News
Banner
Related Posts

Wine, here’s how they screw us at the restaurant: pay close attention to the glass

February 29, 2020

February 29, 2020

How they fool us at the restaurant about wine. One answer comes from a British study, carried out by the   Behavior...

How Big Was The Megalodon? Unraveling The Mystery Of The Ancient Seas

August 26, 2023

August 26, 2023

Step into the past and encounter the Megalodon, an ancient beast that ruled the oceans. Through fossil evidence and scientific...

Vivek Ramaswamy: GOP’s Lightning Rod Sparks Debate Storm

December 12, 2023

December 12, 2023

In the wild world of political showdowns, big names clash like ideas in an epic debate. Lately, one word’s been...

Regis Prograis vs. Devin Haney : A Clash Of Titans

December 22, 2023

December 22, 2023

In an exciting match, Devin Haney, the undefeated and unified lightweight champion, is hastening in weight to face Regis Prograis,...

Tustin Hanger Fire: WWII Hanger Engulfed in Massive Fire

November 24, 2023

November 24, 2023

A devastating fire has torn through the historic WWII blimp hangar at the former Marine Corps Air Station Tustin. This...

Coronavirus, the State Police alarm: “Don’t open this email, it’s a scam”

March 10, 2020

March 10, 2020

After the fake doctors knocking on the door, there are those who still speculate on the coronavirus. The State Police, through...

Is Walmart Open On Thanksgiving? Walmart Closes Doors As Stores Prioritize Employee Well-Being

November 22, 2023

November 22, 2023

Amid the turkey preparation and pumpkin pie anticipation, one burning question keeps popping up: Is Walmart open on Thanksgiving? As...

The Enigmatic Demise: Unravelling The Circumstances Of Andy Warhol’s Death

September 8, 2023

September 8, 2023

Explore the mysteries surrounding Andy Warhol’s untimely passing. Delve into the enigmatic circumstances that shroud the iconic artist’s demise. Andy...

NFL Showdown: New Orleans Saints VS. Jaguars – The Game To Determine The Season’s Fate

November 10, 2023

November 10, 2023

In the exciting world of professional football, the clash between two go-getter teams can send waves of excitement and expectation...

Sunak’s Bold Move: Suella Braverman’s Exit And David Cameron’s Return In A Surprising Cabinet Reshuffle

December 7, 2023

December 7, 2023

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a surprising move on Monday, reshuffling his Cabinet. He removed Home Secretary Suella Braverman, known...

Yemen’s Courageous Stand: A Beacon Of Hope For Palestine Amid Global Silence

November 24, 2023

November 24, 2023

The active genocide and human rights violations in Palestine have garnered significant worldwide attention. Nonetheless, the Israeli government remains backed...

Sunny’s Eclipse: WWE Legend Faces 17 Years In Prison For DUI Manslaughter

December 20, 2023

December 20, 2023

In a shocking turn of events, former WWE Hall of Famer Tamara Lynn Sytch, widely known as “Sunny,” has been...

The United States already has more than 1,000 cases that have tested positive for the coronavirus

March 11, 2020

March 11, 2020

31 deaths in the United States have now been linked to the coronavirus, and at least 36 states have confirmed...

Evan Ellingson, The Beloved Actor From “My Sister’s Keeper” And “CSI: Miami,” Passes Away At 35

December 2, 2023

December 2, 2023

In a sad turn of events, Evan Ellingson, renowned for his role in the 2009 film “My Sister’s Keeper,” and...

Coronaviruses and families, who are minors within these difficult days?

March 12, 2020

March 12, 2020

It is now clear to everyone (or almost!): We are experiencing a situation of absolute extraordinary nature. Nobody could have expected...

Comments
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *