14th February is celebrated as Valentine’s Day. This day celebrated love romance, admiration and friendship. It is said that this day is named after Saint Valentine, a catholic priest of Rome of 3rd Century. During the Valentine’s time, many Romans were converting to Christianity. Rome’s emperor was Claudius II. The emperor believed that soldiers should be completely devoted to Rome and hence, he passed a law preventing soldiers from marrying. St. Valentine began to marry these soldiers secretly in accordance with Christian ceremonies. Thus St. Valentine gained reputation as love Guru.
For this activity, Valentine was caught & imprisoned for his crimes. In the jail valentine cared for his fellow prisoners and the blind daughter of the Jailor. Valentine cured the girl’s blindness. His final act before being executed was to write her a message and it signed ‘from your Valentine’. Valentine was executed on 14th February, 270. The Catholic Church was determined to stamp out the remaining paganism. In those days, the pagans celebrated fertility ritual in February. Pope abolished this ritual, and declared 14th February as Saint Valentine’s Day. Thus, Valentine’s Day came into being 200 years after the execution of St. Valentine.
The poet Geoffrey Chaucer (1343 – 1400) linked St. Valentine with romantic love, beginning a new tradition of expressing Love & adoration. This custom spread throughout Europe. There used to be a High Court of Love where the female judges would rule on the issues related to Love on 14th February!
The practice of sending Love messages developed into people sending special Valentine Day cards, decorated with flowers, hearts and trimmed with lace & ribbon. These images are still used today. Some cards are handmade by the sender and designed to show how much the love the recipient. Most countries and different cultures have developed their own traditions of this festival. In some countries this day is observed as a day for expressing love between family members & friends. Some traditions practice giving gifts to children. In some countries, this day is celebrated to express love between romantic couples.
Most couples celebrate Valentine’s Day with dinner, a picnic or special home cooked meal. Another method is to indulge in a luxury hotel stay in a beautiful location to enjoy some quality time together. Marriages are also popular on Valentine’s Day.
Now, as it can be well observed, Valentine’s Day became Valentine’s Week! The entire week is filled with love & romance! It begins on February 7th, ending on February 14. Each day of this week has a special significance. Each day celebrates a different expression & face of love and affection. These seven days of Love are:
|
S.No. |
Day of Week |
Celebration |
|
1. |
7th February |
Rose Day – A Symbol of Love Passion and Romance. |
|
2. |
8th February |
Purpose Day – The day to confess love and purpose to each other. |
|
3. |
9th February |
Chocolate Day – A classic symbol of love and affection. |
|
4. |
10th February |
Teddy Day- Symbols of cuddles & affection. |
|
5. |
11th February |
Promise Day – Stressing the importance of commitment & loyalty. |
|
6. |
12th February |
Hug Day – Heart Warming celebration of connection & bonding. |
|
7. |
13th February |
Kiss Day – Universal symbol of Love. |
Then comes 14th February – Valentine’s Day. The couples express their love and appreciation to each other. Lastly there are people who celebrate an extended Valentine’s Week, which includes
|
8. |
15th February |
Slap Day – Humorous way to release emotions. |
|
9. |
16th February |
Kick Day – Playfully symbolizing letting go of frustration. |
Finally, please let me know if you have thought of a unique way of celebrating the Valentine’s Day. I shall look forward to receiving your mail.
About the Author
Dr. K. Raja Gopal Reddy is a seasoned internationally qualified Insurance professional. What you are reading here, may not answer all the questions we have, but has the absolute power of asking unsettling questions which increase the interest in the strange world, and show the contradictory wonders lying just below the surface of the commonest things of life. Look at this disturbing but beautiful thought of Friedrich Nietzsche “God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him”.
Dr. Reddy can be reached at: raja66gopal@gmail.com
