Leap day deals for $2.29 or 29% off in Upstate Thursday. What to know about history of day.
Leap day, February 29, only occurs once every four years and is an extra day added to the calendar to ensure the additional 24 hours stay in line with the earth's orbit around the sun.
The time it takes for the sun to orbit its star is 365.2421 days, which is slightly longer than the modern calendar's 365 days, according to History.com. Although this difference may not seem like much, it is ― this missing quarter of a day can add up over decades and centuries.
Simply said, the added day keeps the astronomical year on track.
Leap year fun facts: When is leap day 2024? What is leap year? Why we're adding an extra day to calendar this year
To celebrate this day, let's take a look at a few leap day facts, and special deals in the Upstate.
Who came up with leap day?
The idea of leap day goes back centuries, before 3100 B.C., according to National Geographic. The Egyptians, Romans and Sumerians used lunar calendars to track time. To match the Earth's orbit, they added extra days to the calendar, which made for a problematic system.
Outside of ancient Egypt, Town & Country states Julius Caesar established a leap day after Rome's calendar diverged from the seasons by months. In 46 B.C., he instituted a 445-day "Year of Confusion" to align with the Earth's orbit, which is known as the longest year in history. He then looked to the ways of Egypt's calendar, making the years 365.25 days longer and adding an extra day every four years.
This reworking had its problems, not accounting for the century-old discrepancy.
During the 16th century, the calendar was revised due to inconsistencies and Christian holidays, and in 1582, Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar with the leap year rules used in the present time.
Those born on leap day are 'leaplings'
If you are born on Feb. 29, consider yourself special. Leap day births are the rarest birthday one could have. Because a leap day occurs only once every 1,461 days, the chances of being born on this particular day is roughly 1 in 1,461. Those born on this day are also called nicknames like "leaplings," "leapers" or "leap day baby."
$2.29 leap day deals in the Upstate
∎ 7-Eleven: For just $2.29, get any combo of five wings on Feb. 29.
∎ Hooters of America: HootClub rewards members who downloaded the app and favorited a location can select an appetizer for $2.29.
∎ Krispy Kreme: Those who purchase a dozen doughnuts will be eligible to buy another dozen original glazed doughnuts for $2.29. Present proof of a Leap Day birthday to get an original glazed dozen for free.
∎ Taco Bell: On Feb. 29, Rewards members using the app can get a Crunchwrap for $2.29.
29% off deals on leap day
∎ Marco’s Pizza: Menu-priced pizzas ordered through the app or website are eligible for 29% off with the use of promo code LEAP29 from Feb. 28-29.
∎ Perdue Farms: Running from Feb. 28-29, use promo code Leap29 to get 29% off an online purchase of $99 or more.
∎ Smoothie King: After spending $15 or more, Smoothie King Healthy Reward app members can receive 29% off 20 ounces or larger smoothie orders at all locations.
Leap day deals
∎ Jersey Mike’s: With a purchase of a sub, customers will get 72 points, equal to a free sub. The last day for the deal is Feb. 29.
∎ Chipotle Mexican Grill: Through digital orders made through the Chipotle app, Chipotle rewards members can use promo code EXTRA24 to receive free guacamole.
∎ Chuck E. Cheese: On the Chuck E. Cheese website, children under 52 inches can get a free pass at all locations with a Trampoline Zone.
∎ Del Taco: 30 tacos for under $20. For the restaurant's 60th anniversary, Snack Tacos will continue to be offered for 60 cents. The anniversary deal ends on March 6.
∎ Dunkin’ Donuts: Using the Dunkin' app, Dunkin' rewards members can buy a medium Cinnamon Vanilla Coffee for $2 and also receive 4x points on all app purchases.
∎ Long John Silver’s: With online orders of $5 or more, customers will be eligible to receive a free piece of chicken or fish using promo code LEAPDAY from Feb. 28-29.
∎ Staples: Easy Rewards members can get a free in-store passport photo on Feb. 29.
∎ Wendy’s: During breakfast hours on Feb. 29, customers can receive a free Cinnabon Pull-Apart.
Leap Day baby deals
∎ Insomnia Cookies: For each purchase of a six or 12-pack of Classic Cookies, one free cookie is available from Feb. 28-March 3. Customers who are born on Leap Day are eligible to receive a free six-pack of Classic Cookies but must present a valid photo ID to claim the deal which runs until Feb. 29.
∎ Build-A-Bear Workshop: Those with a Feb. 29 birthday can get a Birthday Treat Bear for $4.
Deals and discounts may vary by location. Please check with your local store for details.
Nina Tran covers trending topics. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Leap day deals: Doughnuts, pizza and taco discounts for February 29
