There is a tradition, said to go back to Saint Patrick and Brigid of Kildare in 5th century Ireland, whereby women may make marriage proposals in a leap year.

In 1288, Queen Margaret of Scotland passed a law which stated a fine would be levied if the proposal was refused by the man. In order to soften the blow, compensation was awarded to the spurned lady, ranging from a kiss to £1 to a silken gown.

Because men felt this arrangement put them at too great a risk, attempts were made to restrict ladies’ proposals to be made only on the leap year’s extra day, 29 February. Nonetheless, the tradition still stands and proposals of marriage by modern girls are valid every day of 2008.

Whilst working on her own family history, Anna Hale of Matrimonia Press, found a proposal sent in 1924 to her grandfather, John Manson. She was so struck by it that she decided to reproduce it and share it’s romantic sentiment.

The passage of time has meant that several bows are missing from the letter, so it is unclear which of the bows was sent back. However, the lovestruck sender was due some form of compensation as it was not sent by Anna’s grandmother, the lucky girl who married John in 1935.

Matrimonia Press is offering this beautiful limited edition print, complete with ribbons for you to tie. To receive your broadside, please send us a stamped addressed envelope (dl or C5), large enough to fit the 210 x 99mm card. A standard 1st class stamp should be sufficient postage.

Please send your SAE to:
Matrimonia Press, Long Barn, Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch

We'd love to hear about your proposals, and assuming that you'll be successful, please remember that we produce beautiful letterpress wedding stationery. You can enter our website to consider the options available from Matrimonia Press.