Most of us measure time by relating it to singular events, either personal or external. Each generation has its own set of notable occurrences that serve as anchors to create an indelible sense of identity and community. It may be the birth of a child, marriage or death in the family that forms this mental marker. Consequential events, positive or negative, such as a Super Bowl or a January 6thattempted insurrection can create individual signposts. As we grow older, more such markers are collected and stored, often with somewhat hazy and imperfect memories.
A calendar is essential to organize our lives and relate to past, present and future. Useful observations of celestial events have been employed to serve this function. The difference between night and day is easily discernable, as well as seasonal variations, but long-term measurements can accumulate time errors. For some, phases of the visible moon served this purpose, while, in a general sense, the earth’s rotation around the sun defines a standard measurement of a year.
Our solar calendar works pretty well, but although imperceptible on a daily, monthly or even annual basis, it does not correspond to the dictates of the Gregorian calendar and needs adjustment. Every four years, a day is added to the already unusual month of February, extending it from 28 to 29 days, called “Leap Day” in a “Leap Year”. Events on the 29th day of February suffer a state of purgatory in non-Leap Years. They exist without annual recognition. Ask anyone born on February 29th… awkward.
Leap Year is easily recognized by the appearance of an extra day, but there are many other parts of our lives and responsibilities that can also be subject to small changes and need periodic review. Many events may seem to appear suddenly, but can usually be traced to a lengthy pattern of precursors. Natural events such as major earthquakes are the result of stress in the Earth’s crust over time. Human behavior can also be traced to a myriad of factors that accumulate slowly, although appearing to erupt spontaneously. Understanding this phenomenon and paying attention to small deviations or erratic and illogical behavior is key to avoiding ensuing catastrophic events.
As we count down the days to a primary and then general election, it will save regret and ill-advised actions by paying close attention to candidates for office. It is our responsibility as citizens to ask them for their views on important issues. “Don’t ask, don’t tell” is not an option even if it is a Leap Year.