#TGLIFE
February 29 is a fascinating day. Known as a leap day or leap year day, it is a date added to the end of the shortest month once in four years and draws significance from the Earth’s revolution around the sun so as to keep our annual calendar and the passing of the seasons aligned over very long timescales.
So despite a bizarre historical origin and a series of urban legends surrounding it, this extra day exists for scientific, not superstitious, reasons.
It is also most interesting when you come across a person born on this day, also known as a leapling. Because normally, the chance of being born on any given day is 1 in 365. But forleap babies, it’s four times that, plus an extra day. That works out to 1 in 1,461.
The Goan went a-hunting for such leap babies celebrating their birthday today and found quite a few. And with their birthday coming actually, once every four years, leaplings try and make this day most special compared to the corresponding three years in between.
An unbeatable ice-breaker
I feel ethereal to be born on this day. Imagine defying the 1-in-1461 odds to be born on this particular day. It adds an innate sense of being extra special and gives a confidence boost that nothing is really impossible. More importantly, it is an unbeatable ice-breaker “ it always works. Though I was born in 1992, I prefers being known as a 7-year-old as it is always good to be younger. In non-leap years, I celebrate my birthday on February 28 and March 1 which means two days of fun and cake. But February 29 has been very special since the time I was 4 years old and had a blast of a birthday party. Since then, I cherish every moment of this day.
” Jonathan Pereira, Navelim
I never age
People keep asking me ‘how old are you’ and I reply ‘eight years’. My grandmother never wanted me to be born on February 29 as she would miss having a wide spread on the table, as she loved cooking and hosting parties at home. In non-leap years, I usually celebrate my special day on February 28.
” Graziela Alvares, Revora
Truly blessed
People teasingly ask how I account for my age in non-leap years, but I truly believe that I am blessed and lucky to be born on this day. Some people believe that a leap year is bad luck, but I don’t. I even got married in a leap year. For my birthday this year, I am in London as I’ve come here to perform for Selvy’s tiatr. I had lot of plans with my family and friends but unfortunately, I have to miss out on being with my loved ones. But I will definitely be celebrating it here with my husband.
” Clancy Cia Vaz, Canacona
A time to look back and
count my blessings
Mostly a leap year is considered unlucky by many, but I take this day as God’s blessing, because it happens once in 4 years and in a way helps me to look back at my life and count my blessings. I don’t celebrate my birthdays in the other years, mostly I go away to a quiet place and spend time in silence for 2 days. This year I plan to celebrate it in my Parish in Pilerne and I am inviting all my parishioners and all my family.
” Fr Derick Fernandes, Pilerne
I only celebrate my birthday in the leap year
Today, I turn 14. I feel very happy, not just now, but from the beginning of a leap year itself, because I only celebrate my birthday in the leap year. We have a party in the church of Our lady of Ambaro in Mandur, and everyone is present “ all the parishioners, my friends, relatives, family, everybody. This year is a double celebration as its also the silver jubilee of my ordination.
” Fr Roland Carvalho, Mandur
A family event
I feel great and happy, my husband has already bought a cake well in advance. My parents are with me as well. My siblings, however, can’t make it because they are abroad. I celebrate my birthday once in 4 years, mostly with friends and family. This year I am trying to make it more of a family-event though. My daughter will be missing as she can’t be here either.
” Netey Pereira, Canacona
