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February 29 is the only day, by tradition, that women can turn the tables and propose to men.

But while modern women will take the lead in most areas of life, it seems marriage is an exception.

Although more than a third said they would be prepared to take advantage of the ancient leap year tradition and propose, only 3 per cent would dare get down on one knee on any other day.

Men, meanwhile, are not opposed to the concept, according to a recent survey.

It showed that 55 per cent liked the idea of being proposed to during a leap year, with just 6 per cent saying they would not like it as they believe men should take the lead.

The tradition of women proposing to men on February 29 is believed to have started in 5th century Ireland when St Bridget complained to St Patrick about women having to wait so long for a man to propose. St Patrick then said the custom could be reversed on this one day in the leap year.

In 1288, Scotland passed a law allowing women to propose in that year.

Any man who declined a proposal in a leap year had to pay a fine, ranging from a kiss to payment for a silk dress or a pair of gloves.

February 29 is the extra day added to the calendar once every four years to make up for the extra quarter of a day it takes for the earth to travel around the sun every year.

But if ladies hesitate in popping the question this year, they will have to wait another 1,461 days for their next chance.

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.