In just about a month people will go gaga again on a special day intended for lovers, couples and sweethearts. Valentine’s day has grown all over the world and countries and cultures have adopted their Valentine’s day or something equivalent of it.
The story goes that St. Valentine went against the orders of the Church and began marrying soldiers in secret. Because of his actions he was executed. Though the Church tried to undo their mistake, Valentine was dead. Decades later he was canonized and the day of his death which was February 14 was made into his feast day. People began praying on that special day to St. Valentine for a love that will overcome many obstacles as had soldiers who wanted to marry despite the orders of the Church.
In other cultures, the celebration of Valentine’s day has roots in pagan history. However because of the nature of the religion, being too numerous and rarely recorded, no one has exact information about how Paganism contributed to Valentine’s day.
Celebrating Valentine’s Day in Modern Times
The celebration of the feast of Valentine is usually done by couples. In most cultures and countries, it’s the man who brings gifts to his woman. Ideal Valentine’s gifts include red roses, chocolates and greeting cards. Some have made the romantic day as their day of proposing to their lover.
Other countries have also adapted the celebration. In Asian countries such as Philippines, they usually reserve the day for “akyat ligaw” or courtship and proposing in the house of the woman in front of her parents. In Japan, girls give chocolates to the boys they like on Valentine’s day. However, the next day is called White Day and the boys must give gifts back to the girls who gave them chocolates.
Other cultures and countries also celebrate their own version of Valentine’s day. In Europe it is still a feast day of a Saint marked by a mass in honor of Saint Valentine.
Andriel, Netherlands