February 29th occurs only in leap years, which are divisible by 4, with the exception of years divisible by 100 but not by 400. As a result, February 29th is relatively rare. Here are historical events that happened on February 29th:
- Leap Day Origin (5th Century): February 29th is added to the calendar in the Julian calendar reform.
- Birth of Gioachino Rossini (1792): The Italian composer of operas, including “The Barber of Seville,” was born on a Leap Day.
- St. Oswald’s Day (303): St. Oswald’s Day is traditionally celebrated on Leap Day in some Christian traditions.
- Establishment of the Knights of Pythias (1864): The fraternal organization was founded on February 29th in Washington, D.C.
- Birth of Jessie T. Usher (1992): The American actor known for his role in the TV series “Survivor’s Remorse” was born on a Leap Day.
- Formation of Davy Jones’ Locker (1720): The term “Davy Jones’ Locker” was first mentioned in a letter on February 29th.
- Hattie McDaniel’s Oscar Win (1940): Hattie McDaniel became the first African American to win an Academy Award for her role in “Gone with the Wind” on a Leap Day.
- First Official Leap Year in the Gregorian Calendar (1752): The Gregorian calendar, which included the Leap Year system, was adopted in some countries.
- Peace of Rueil (1649): The Peace of Rueil, ending the Fronde civil wars in France, was signed on February 29th.
- First Legal Leap Day (1288): According to a Scottish law, February 29th was defined as the day when a woman could propose to a man.
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