Google 'Leaps' Into February 29 With Cute Animated Doodle. Check It Out

Google's tribute to Leap Day included not only the animated doodle but also a nostalgic journey through its past doodle creations.

On Thursday, February 29, Google marked Leap Day with a lively doodle. The doodle showcased a jubilant frog adorned with the number 29, leaping across what appeared to be a tranquil pond. Accompanying the doodle, Google wrote, "Ribbiting news, it's Leap Day! Leap Day, February 29th, only occurs about every four years, to keep our calendars in alignment with the Earth and sun… Enjoy this bonus day of February — Happy Leap Day!"

Of course, in signature Google style, the Doodle was touched with froggy elements to highlight the 'leap (day and year)' aspect.

What Is A Leap Day?

Leap Day, a phenomenon occurring every four years, is incorporated into years divisible by four — such as 2024, 2028, and 2032. This addition of February 29 compensates for the slight discrepancy between the Earth's orbit and the standard 365-day calendar year.

Diverse customs, folklore, and superstitions mark the global celebration of Leap Day. Individuals born on February 29, affectionately termed "leaplings," often hold unique significance on this day.

Notably, in legal contexts like English law, leaplings' birthdays are officially recognised as March 1 in non-leap years, ensuring consistency for administrative purposes.

Google Takes A Walk Down Doodle Lane

Google's tribute to Leap Day included not only the animated doodle but also a nostalgic journey through its past doodle creations. Reminiscing about its inaugural doodle, the first doodle series, and special doodles like those for Bastille Day in 2000, the search engine giant took users on "a trip down memory lane."

This isn't the first time Google has celebrated Leap Day through its doodles. In February 2020, the company similarly honoured the occasion (Doodle above), expressing, "Today's Doodle is jumping for joy on Leap Day, the 29th day of February that only occurs about every four years, to keep our calendars in alignment with the Earth and sun."

"We HOP you have a good one-Happy Leap Day!" it cheerfully added.

Leap Day, a rare occurrence falling every four years on February 29, is an integral part of several solar calendars, including the widely adopted Gregorian calendar.