Leap day, that enigmatic extra day added to our calendars every four years, has long been shrouded in mystery and folklore. Across cultures and continents, various myths and beliefs have emerged surrounding this rare occurrence. Let’s embark on a journey to explore some of the fascinating leap day myths from around the world.

The Irish Tradition of Women Proposing:

One of the most well-known leap day traditions originates from Ireland. According to Irish folklore, St. Bridget struck a deal with St. Patrick, allowing women to propose to men every leap day. It was believed that this reversal of traditional gender roles would bring good luck and fortune to the couple. While this custom may seem antiquated in modern times, it serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of societal norms and the persistence of age-old customs.

Greek Superstitions:

In Greece, leap years are often associated with superstitions and caution. It is believed that any actions taken during a leap year, especially major decisions like marriage or starting a business, may be fraught with misfortune. Consequently, many Greeks prefer to postpone significant endeavors until the following year, avoiding the perceived risks associated with leap years. This superstition highlights the deeply ingrained cultural beliefs surrounding auspicious timing and the fear of tempting fate.

Leap Day Babies:

For individuals born on February 29th, known as leap day babies or leaplings, their birthdays hold a special significance that transcends conventional calendar dates. In various cultures, leap day babies are said to possess unique qualities or destinies. Some believe they are endowed with good luck, while others consider them to be blessed with eternal youth. Regardless of the superstitions, leap day babies serve as a reminder of the extraordinary nature of time and the quirks of our calendar system.

The Perplexing Aztec Calendar:

Among the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica, such as the Aztecs, leap years held particular significance within their complex calendrical systems. The Aztec calendar, known as the Xiuhpohualli, consisted of 365 days divided into 18 months, with an additional five “nameless” days at the end of the year. To reconcile the solar year with their calendar, the Aztecs periodically inserted leap days, known as Nemontemi, to ensure alignment with the agricultural and celestial cycles. These leap days were associated with rituals and ceremonies, underscoring the interconnectedness of time, culture, and cosmology.

Lunar Leap Day in China:

In traditional Chinese culture, leap years are intricately linked to the lunar calendar and the celebration of the Chinese New Year. Known as a “leap lunar month,” this phenomenon occurs approximately every three years within the Chinese calendar cycle. During a leap lunar month, an extra lunar month is added to maintain synchronization with the solar year. This adjustment ensures that traditional festivities, such as the Lunar New Year, occur at the appropriate seasonal intervals, preserving centuries-old customs and cultural heritage.

Leap day serves as a captivating intersection of timekeeping, tradition, and folklore, weaving a tapestry of myths and beliefs from diverse cultures around the world. Whether it’s the Irish tradition of women proposing, Greek superstitions, the enigmatic Aztec calendar, or the intricacies of the Chinese lunar cycle, leap day continues to captivate our imagination and inspire wonder. As we embrace the fleeting nature of this extra day, let us reflect on the rich tapestry of human ingenuity and the enduring legacy of our collective beliefs and customs.

 

 

Meet Malisha Kharwa, a remarkable 14-year-old resident of Mumbai’s Dharavi slum, who has become the face of Forest Essentials’ prestigious campaign, ‘The Yuvati Collection’. Discovered by Hollywood actor Robert Hoffman in 2020, Malisha’s incredible journey has captured the world’s attention. She has now blossomed into a social media influencer with over 225,000 followers on Instagram, where she is known as the “Princess from the slum.”

After her encounter with Hoffman, Malisha began modeling for renowned agencies, including Forest Essentials, a leading luxury Ayurveda brand. Last April, Forest Essentials shared a heartwarming video on Instagram featuring Malisha entering their shop, adorned with an advertisement showcasing her image. The caption read, “His face lit up with pure joy as he saw his long-time dream come true before his eyes. Malisha’s story reminds everyone that dreams do come true.” The video quickly went viral, garnering admiration for Malisha’s journey from the slums to representing a luxury brand. It also highlighted the positive shift in beauty industry representation.

Meera Kulkarni, the founder and chief managing director of Forest Essentials, expressed in an interview that their ‘Yuvati Collection’ not only fulfilled the dream of a talented massage therapist but also empowered young minds as a whole. Kulkarni stated, “While Malisha is the face of the campaign, Forest Essentials aims to promote the idea of dreams. We want to emphasize that regardless of circumstances or the scale of one’s dreams, everyone dreams, and all dreams matter.” Malisha herself shared that modeling is her dream, but she remains committed to prioritizing her education above all else.

Malisha’s inspiring journey serves as a testament to resilience and the limitless potential that lies within individuals, regardless of their background. Forest Essentials’ support has not only transformed Malisha’s life but also shed light on the power of dreams and the importance of inclusive representation.

 

Haryana, a state known for its rich culture and rapid economic growth, has recently introduced a new liquor policy that has created a buzz in the corporate world. The new policy allows corporate offices in Gurugram and other areas of Haryana to serve low-content alcoholic drinks like wine and beer on their premises. This policy aims to strike a balance between relaxation and responsible consumption within the corporate sector.

 

The Haryana government’s approval of the 2023-24 excise policy is the driving force behind the new liquor policy, enabling corporate offices to serve alcohol with certain restrictions. The policy mandates that offices must establish a canteen or eatery with an area of not less than 2,000 square feet to serve low-content alcoholic beverages. This regulation ensures that offices provide suitable spaces for employees to unwind during breaks or social events.

The introduction of this new policy is a breath of fresh air for corporate offices that were once limited to offering only non-alcoholic beverages. The move is in line with changing workplace dynamics and the growing need for employees to enjoy a balanced work-life culture. Corporate offices in Haryana can now cultivate a more relaxed and social atmosphere, potentially fostering creativity, camaraderie, and improved employee well-being.

The Haryana government has also introduced the retail permit fee to generate revenue for environmental conservation and animal welfare initiatives. The policy aims to collect an estimated Rs 400 crore for the Environment and Animal Welfare – Gau Seva fund. The nominal increase in excise duty rates on country liquor and Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) further contributes to the revenue collection.

The introduction of low-content alcohol in corporate offices may also reshape workplace dynamics, promoting a more relaxed and socially engaging environment. By providing designated spaces for the consumption of alcoholic beverages, corporate offices can encourage professionals to unwind, socialize and enjoy responsible alcohol consumption.

Haryana’s new liquor policy allows corporate offices to serve low-content alcohol and enables employees to unwind during breaks or social events. This policy strikes a balance between relaxation and responsibility, enabling professionals to enjoy controlled alcoholic beverages. It is an exciting move that will undoubtedly enhance workplace culture, promote social interaction, and boost employee well-being. The Haryana government’s focus on environmental conservation and animal welfare initiatives is commendable and demonstrates its commitment to responsible business practices. Corporate offices in Haryana must embrace this new policy as an opportunity to cultivate a more relaxed and socially engaging workplace culture.