Leap Year - Running the Gauntlet
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Leap Year - Running the Gauntlet
Leap Year - Running the Gauntlet! Date: 1904
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14347656
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Asks Attachment Awkward Bachelor Choice Dangers Difficulty Gauntlet Keen Lance Leap Proposal Romance Rude Running Spinsters Thackeray Unattractive Year
Leap Year - Running the Gauntlet
EDITORS COMMENTS
(1904): A Humorous Take on Love and Marriage in the Early 20th Century This photograph, titled "Leap Year - Running the Gauntlet," depicts an amusing scene from an old English tradition that allowed women to propose marriage to men during a leap year. The image, dated 1904, captures the moment of a man named Thackeray, dressed in a formal suit, bravely running the gauntlet of eager and sometimes unattractive spinsters, all hoping to secure his hand in marriage. The women, dressed in their finest attire, stand in two rows, each wielding a lance with a red rose on the end. Thackeray, with a determined look on his face, runs between the rows, attempting to avoid being hit by the roses. This playful ritual represented the women's right to propose during a leap year, a tradition believed to have originated during the 15th or 16th century. The humorous and lighthearted nature of this photograph provides a unique glimpse into the social dynamics of love and marriage during the early 20th century. The awkwardness and potential dangers of the situation are evident, as Thackeray faces the challenge of choosing among the many eager suitors. The women, with their keen expressions, display a range of emotions, from hopeful to humorous, adding to the overall fun and excitement of the scene. This photograph, with its rich history and intriguing narrative, serves as a reminder of the challenges and joys of love and marriage, as well as the importance of making difficult choices in life. The tradition of leap year proposals may have long since passed, but the spirit of romance and attachment that it embodies remains timeless.
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