February 14th a valentine day celebrations, what is the significance
Love is in the air, the stores are filled with heart-shaped decorations, and people are eagerly waiting for the most romantic day of the year – Valentine’s Day. The 14th of February is a day that is celebrated all around the world as a day of love and affection. With couples exchanging gifts and expressing their love for each other, it is a day that holds a special place in the hearts of many.
But have you ever wondered about the essence of this celebration? What is the significance behind this day and how is it celebrated annually? Let’s take a deep dive into the world of Valentine’s Day and discover the true meaning of this much-awaited celebration.
The origins of Valentine’s Day can be traced back to ancient Roman times, where a festival called Lupercalia was celebrated in mid-February. This festival was dedicated to the Roman god of fertility, and it was believed to bring about good health and a successful harvest. However, as Christianity spread throughout Rome, the festival was renamed as Valentine’s Day in honor of Saint Valentine, a Catholic saint who was martyred on the 14th of February.
Since then, Valentine’s Day has become a day to celebrate love and affection between couples, family, and friends. It is a day to express gratitude and appreciation for the people we love and hold dear to our hearts. Whether it is romantic love or platonic love, Valentine’s Day reminds us to spread love and positivity to those who matter in our lives.
The celebration of Valentine’s Day varies from country to country, but the essence remains the same – to express love and affection. In many countries, couples exchange gifts such as flowers, chocolates, and greeting cards as a symbol of their love. Some countries have special traditions, such as in Denmark where it is customary for men to give women ‘gaekkebrev’ or funny poems written on intricately cut paper. In Japan, women are expected to give gifts to men on Valentine’s Day, while men reciprocate on a different day called White Day.
Apart from traditional gifts, couples also plan special dates and outings to celebrate their love. It could be a romantic dinner at a fancy restaurant, a weekend getaway, or even a simple picnic in the park. The key is to spend quality time with your loved one and create beautiful memories together.
But Valentine’s Day is not just limited to romantic love. It is also a day to celebrate the love and bond between friends and family. Many people exchange gifts and cards with their friends and family to show their appreciation and love. It is a day to remind our loved ones how much they mean to us and to strengthen our relationships.
In recent years, Valentine’s Day has also become a day to spread love and kindness to those in need. Many people volunteer at charities, visit the elderly, or donate to those less fortunate to share the love and joy of this day.
In conclusion, the true essence of Valentine’s Day lies in spreading love, kindness, and appreciation for the people in our lives. It is a day to celebrate all forms of love and to remind ourselves of the importance of cherishing our relationships.
So, this 14th of February, let’s not get caught up in the commercial aspect of this celebration, but instead focus on the true essence of this day – love. Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!
– Benjamin Ibrahim, a Retired Permanent Secretary, writes from Lokoja.
