Babies born on Leap Day instantly become part of an exclusive club known as “leaplings.” It’s an extraordinary distinction, considering that less than 0.1 percent of the world’s population shares the privilege of being born on February 29, commonly known as leap day.
So, what makes Leap Day so special? This occurrence happens only once every four years, serving as a corrective measure to keep the calendar in sync with Earth’s orbit around the Sun, as explained by History.com. While our modern calendar comprises 365 days, the actual time Earth takes to complete its orbit is slightly longer—approximately 365.2421 days.
For those born on Leap Day, there might be a sense of occasional disappointment, realizing they only get to celebrate their actual birthday every four years. Despite this, most leaplings embrace their uniqueness with enthusiasm and revel in the special distinction that sets them apart.