This 1949 retro ad for Van Heusen men’s shirts depicts the old Irish tradition that on Leap Day, a woman has the opportunity to propose to a man. It is told that St. Bridget made this deal with St. Patrick because she believed women had to wait too long for marriage. Later on, it was believed that if a man were to turn down this marriage proposal, he would be penalized. (I think a fair penalty would be doing whatever it takes to wipe the smug look off of this guy’s face.)

Well, it’s Leap Year ladies! This Monday February 29th, lock down your future with the man of your dreams. You wouldn’t want to wait another four years now would you?

FUN FACT #1: Famous leapers (people born on February 29) include Italian composer Gioacchino Rossini, big band musician Jimmy Dorsey, actors Dennis Farina and Antonio Sabato, and rapper Ja Rule. (Source: Famous Birthdays)

FUN FACT #2: Van Heusen patented the “soft-folding collar” that offered a more comfortable way to wear a dress shirt. This new innovation was the inspiration for Van Heusen’s first advertising campaign, “the World’s Smartest Collar” in 1921. (Source: Van Heusen)