What's a Broken Heart Worth?
This is Janet Tronstad and I’m here to ask what a broken heart is worth?My question begins in 1288 when Scotland is said to have passed a law that a women could ask any man to marry her on every February 29. If the man refused, he had to pay her a fine that often was nothing more than a pair of gloves.
It does not seem like much in the way of payment for a broken heart. It was about this time, during the 13th century, that gloves began to be worn by ladies as a fashion ornament though. They were made of linen and silk, and sometimes reached to the elbow.
I can’t help but wonder if the rise in the ornateness of ladies gloves was as a result of those fines. If a man had to give a woman a pair gloves for refusing to marry her, I’m sure that she wanted the gloves to be as fancy as possible.
I cannot even imagine how frustrating life was for women in those days. Getting married was likely the only respectable job to be had and they could not directly ask to be considered for the position, except on the day of February 29.
What are your thoughts of living back then? Would you have taken advantage of February 29 to ask some man to marry you? I’m not sure what I would have done. Although I could probably use some new gloves.
18 Comments:
At February 29, 2012 2:11 AM,
Ruth said…
I had no idea about gloves being fines paid when women were rejected by the love of their life. I don't think I would like to live in that era, as wearing the gloves may show the world that you have been rejected. Definitely would not risk being given, or worse worn the gloves, if I had been turned down. Thanks so much for the information. That was great.
ruth_mangabhai(at)yahoo(dot)com
At February 29, 2012 9:22 AM,
beemama said…
I don't think I would have fared too well in that era. I am MUCH too outspoken. (Then again on Feb 29 that might have been a good thing?)
Besides which The clothes would have been too much to deal with.
Shirley
beekeeper5(at)bellsouth(dot)net
At February 29, 2012 11:37 AM,
Jennifer said…
That is odd. You wonder who came up with that! I'm grateful that I didn't live during that time but if I did I'd hope my husband would be the man I asked!
jennydtipton[at]gmail[dot]com
At February 29, 2012 12:07 PM,
Jackie S. said…
Never heard about the gloves/fines deal!! I never like wearing gloves unless it is very cold.
jackie.smith[at]dishmail[dot]net
At February 29, 2012 1:08 PM,
Kim Watters said…
What fun trivia. Well, in this era. It couldn't have been too much fun back then. I much prefer to live today, thank you very much. I don't wear gloves. :)
At February 29, 2012 2:01 PM,
Janet Tronstad said…
Ruth -- I didn't think about appearing in a new pair of gloves back then. You're right -- not the thing to do.
Beemana -- I wouldn't have done well that far back either. And I like today's comfry clothes.
Jennifer -- I'm sure the women who ended up marrying someone they liked (and who liked them in return) were the rare fortunate ones!
At February 29, 2012 2:01 PM,
Janet Tronstad said…
Hi, Jackine -- good to see you here!
At February 29, 2012 2:02 PM,
Janet Tronstad said…
Kim -- I'm glad I live in this day and age too!
At February 29, 2012 2:27 PM,
Abigail Richmond said…
Wow! didn't know that. I don't know what I would have done either.
At February 29, 2012 3:22 PM,
Judy said…
Boy, a pair of gloves is all a lady received for a broken heart!! I wouldn't blame a lady for picking out the fanciest pair!
I'm not that outgoing so I doubt I'd ever have had the courage to ask someone to marry me!
I don't wear gloves other than winter ones!
That was a very interesting tidbit to say the least.
Blessings!
Judy
judyjohn2004[at]yahoo[dot]com
At February 29, 2012 7:36 PM,
Janet Tronstad said…
Abigail and Judy -- thank you both for stopping by! I agree a pair of gloves isn't much for having that kind of a refusal.
At March 1, 2012 12:55 PM,
Lainie said…
Dear Janet Tronstad. I loved learning about the tradition of long ago and women being able to propose marriage on February 29. I personally am old fashioned and would probably not ask a man to marry me. I would always wonder if he really loved me and if he did, why would I have to ask him? I am new to Steeple Hill books and love them. The one I read of yours, Wife Wanted in Dry Creek was great. Loved it.
At March 1, 2012 12:58 PM,
Lainie said…
Dear Kim Watters,
I am new to Steeple Hill books and I think you are absoutely correct on the book covers. They are important to me as a reader. I love romance novels and when I can look at a cover and see the people written about, it means so much more to me. I look at the covers again and again.
At March 1, 2012 1:04 PM,
Lainie said…
New to the blog. Made 2 comments and forgot to put my email address. Would love to be entered into your contest for the books.
lainie adams
celestialhappenings2@comcast.net
At March 1, 2012 5:38 PM,
Janet Tronstad said…
Lainie -- good to see you here! Welcome! And I'm glad you have discovered our Love Inspired books.
At March 1, 2012 5:59 PM,
lilac grandma said…
That would make a good Love Inspired story!
msproule1225@gmail.com
At March 3, 2012 8:44 PM,
Angie Adair said…
That is very interesting! angadair@nwcable.net
At March 4, 2012 3:09 PM,
Mary said…
I didn't know that but it was interesting to read about the gloves being give to women that were rejected. I wouldn't have wanted to live in that era. Thanks for sharing that with us.
I enjoy your books and look forward to reading more. Love Inspired books are my favorite books to read.
Have a great day,
teddybeararc@yahoo.com
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