By Harriet Guildford
Bachelor’s day, also known as Ladies' Privilege, is a tradition that originates in Ireland, and is said to date back to the 5th century! The tradition states that on February 29th, marriage proposal etiquette is reversed, so a woman may ask a man to marry her. This is said to derive from a deal that Saint Bridget struck with Saint Patrick. As the legend goes, Bridget came to Patrick, complaining that women had to wait too long to marry because men were slow to propose, and asked if women be given the opportunity. Patrick is said to have offered that women be allowed to propose on one day every seven years, but Bridget convinced him to make it one day every four years.
This ancient Irish tradition was well established by the 1800s, and extensions of the tradition developed. One rather humorous example of this, is if the proposal was refused, the man in question would have to compensate for her humiliation by buying her a gift. This would be expected to be gloves, a silk gown, or by the mid 20th century, a fur coat! A public performance of a juggling trick on Easter day was also deemed acceptable.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards including men in the symbolism of engagement, through the introduction of men's engagement rings!
Whilst men's engagement rings may not yet be as mainstream as women's, their presence is steadily increasing, and they offer a wonderful opportunity for couples to celebrate their commitment in a way that resonates with both partners. As societal attitudes continue to evolve, the concept of engagement and wedding traditions will likely continue to adapt to the diverse needs and preferences of couples.
There are no hard or fast rules about what a men’s engagement ring, or any engagement ring for that matter, should look like. Here at Berganza, we have a vast array of options to suit individual preferences, to make for the perfect proposal this leap year.
If he is an understated chap, you may want to explore some of our remarkable gold medieval rings, displaying intricate carvings and engravings. However, diamonds can also be a man’s best friend, so maybe you could opt for a diamond set gypsy ring? Or how about an Art Deco ring with their iconic geometric designs! Alternatively, if the gentleman in your life is fascinated by the ancient world, why not explore our incredible collection of original ancient Roman and Viking rings? The options are endless, and there are no rules.
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