2020 is a Leap Year, and Iris folklore says "Bachelor's Day", is the perfect chance for women to propose to their spouse with one of Walker Metalsmith’s hand-crafted beautiful Celtic rings! While a woman is free to propose anytime, traditionally in Ireland, this right of proposal was reserved specifically for the Leap Year.
The tradition of women proposing to men on "leap day" February 29th can be traced back to an old Irish legend. The story says that St. Brigid bargained with St. Patrick to establish a day when women could propose to men. There is an alternative legend that says Queen Margaret of Scotland issued a decree in 1288, stating that women could propose to shy boyfriends on February 29th. If the suitor turned down the proposal, he would have to pay a fine to the woman.
Celtic Origins of Leap Year Proposals
Whatever your reason for proposing to a man, it’s a delightful tradition that turns traditional courtship roles upside down. It’s interesting to note that both the St. Brigid and Queen Margaret legends are steeped in Celtic history, with one originating in Ireland and the other in Scotland. As a nod to these Celtic stories, women often choose Celtic rings, including Claddagh rings, to present to the men they are proposing to. At Walker Metalsmiths, we offer a complete line of Celtic jewelry for men that are ideal for any marriage proposal or wedding.
Celtic Rings
Walker Metalsmith’s collection of men's custom hand-crafted Celtic rings features a wide range of styles for that special man in your life. If you're looking for an 
engagement ring that features a center stone, look at our Churaich or Galoglach rings. For a band without stones, we have a variety of Celtic rings featuring traditional symbols such as Celtic knots, Celtic crosses and other motifs that symbolize love, devotion, and faith. Celtic crosses are particularly rich in history and symbolism, making them a lovely way to ask the man in your life to marry you. We also offer a wide range of Celtic rings featuring various styles of knotwork, including Josephine's knot, Lorn knots, and Lochalsh knots. Celtic knot rings represent a variety of beliefs and traditions, often symbolizing the joining of spiritual and physical love, the endless nature of love, faith, and devotion.
Claddagh Rings
For a lovely proposal ring steeped in modern Celtic lore, our men’s Claddagh rings are an excellent choice. The heart, crown, and hands are said to represent love, loyalty, and friendship, forming the foundation of a successful marriage. The Claddagh ring is an attractive engagement ring for men who prefer jewelry that isn't set with any stones. We carry a wide range of options from slender, minimalist styles to bolder rings with ornate designs and set with a single, central stone such as marble or garnet.
At Walker Metalsmiths, all our rings are original designs created by Master Craftsmen Stephen Walker or one of the artisans at our studio. Whatever style of Celtic ring you choose to propose to your sweetheart with this Leap Year, you can be sure you're giving him a ring you won't find anywhere else. It will be as unique as your love for each other, steeped in tradition and crafted with love.
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Were you a tourist in London, Dublin or Paris in 1975 – 1978? Did you see a street performer playing bagpipes? Did you take his picture? Was it Steve Walker? If you can share that picture with Walker Metalsmiths you could score some sweet Celtic jewelry.
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