Today 14 February, the world turns red and pink in honour of St Valentine, the patron saint of lovers, and of Love. But do we really know how this holiday so intrinsically linked to love came about?
Well, Valentine’s Day, a holiday shrouded in mystery and romance, is celebrated worldwide as an occasion to celebrate love and affection. At a time when displays of affection may seem rare, this day offers an opportunity to reconnect with those we love and appreciate the beauty of meaningful relationships.
Legends say that the origins of Saint Valentine date back to ancient Rome, where a bishop named Valentine, in the 3rd century, opposed Emperor Claudius II’s ban on weddings during wars – as he believed married soldiers were less effective in battle. But Valentine continued to secretly celebrate marriages until he was discovered and sentenced to death on 14 February.
It is said that in prison Valentine fell in love with the daughter of his jailer, to whom he wrote a love letter signed ‘Your Valentine‘. This romantic gesture is considered one of the earliest examples of Valentine as a symbol of love and affection. Following his martyrdom, Valentine became the patron saint of lovers, and his feast day became associated with romantic love.
Over the centuries, the cult of St Valentine spread across Europe, turning into a festival dedicated to lovers. The tradition of exchanging greeting cards, flowers and sweets dates back to the Middle Ages, while in the 19th century the commercialisation of the holiday spread rapidly, leading to the creation of cards and gifts specially designed for the occasion.
While the historical roots of Valentine’s Day date back to Roman antiquity, the traditions associated with this holiday vary widely from country to country. In Italy, for example, Valentine’s Day is often celebrated with romantic dinners and the exchange of symbolic gifts such as chocolates and red roses. In Japan, the festival of lovers is a more feminine affair, where women give chocolates to men on 14 February, and men reciprocate the gesture the following month, 14 March, on ‘White Day’.
In the US, Valentine’s Day has become an occasion to show affection not only to romantic partners, but also to friends and family, people exchange greeting cards, chocolates and flowers, and many restaurants offer special themed dinners for couples and groups of friends.
But Valentine’s Day is not just a Western holiday. In India, popular culture has embraced the festival of lovers with enthusiasm, thanks in part to the influence of Western media. Young Indians exchange gifts and get together for romantic dinners, and many use the occasion to propose marriage.
In China, the festival of Qixi, often called the ‘Chinese Valentine’s Day’, falls on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar. The tradition is for couples to exchange gifts and pray for a happy future together.
Valentine’s Day is therefore a holiday that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, uniting people around the world in the expression of affection and love. Whether you are celebrating with your partner, friends or family, remember that the important thing is to show gratitude and love for those who are special in your life.
In an age where love is celebrated in many forms and shades, it is important to recognise the essence of Valentine’s Day as a time to express appreciation and affection for those around us, Valentine’s Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of love and human connection in an increasingly fast-paced and technological world. It is a reminder of the power of affection and kindness in creating lasting and meaningful connections.
For many, Valentine’s Day is also a time to celebrate self-love and practise ‘self-care‘, think of those who do not necessarily have a partner, it is only right that on this day they find time to dedicate to themselves. How? By having a day of relaxation and well-being, or engaging in activities that bring joy and personal satisfaction. It is always important, if not essential, to remember that love starts from within.
Valentine’s Day represents more than just a commercial holiday. It is an opportunity to honour love and affection in its many forms, from romantic relationships to friendship and family. Through its varied traditions and its ability to unite people around the world, Valentine’s Day continues to be a universal celebration of the human essence.
Whether you are celebrating with your partner, friends or family, we wish you this Valentine’s Day to be filled with love, joy and genuine connection, and as the world fills with hearts and roses, let us remember that the true spirit of Valentine’s Day lies in the act of loving without reservation, appreciating those who enrich our lives and spreading kindness and affection in every daily gesture.
🌈❤️ Love is Love ❤️🌈 Fairness Magazine
Ig – @fairness_mag
