Valentine’s Day, which is celebrated today, is named after St. Valentine or Valentinus. Roses, gifts, and chocolate are given to the ones we love. Valentine’s Day is the 3rd most popular day for marriage proposal, after Christmas and New Year, with most marriage proposals happening between December and February every year!
Valentine’s Day is a special day when we devote some of our time and efforts to express love and appreciation to the special and precious people in our life who can be the wife, friends, family, and workmates.
A sneak-peak into the history, however, shows that Valentine’s Day was far less romantic than it sounds, and it wasn’t as sweet as the millions of candy hearts produced every year for this occasion, especially at the times when it was celebrated by sacrificing animals to encourage fertility. Not until the 1300s when Valentine’s Day became a sign of love as the French and English believed that February 14th was the when birds start mating! The date of February 14th is also attributed to the Death of St. Valentine, according to the Romans. A different account of the story, according to https://www.history.com, is that it was Pope Gelasius who declared (at the end of the 5th century) February 14 as a day for celebrating Valentine's Day; it was more of a religious ritual than a romantic celebration at that time.
It’s amazing how many flowers are exchanged at Valentine’s Day, with more than 250 million roses are annually produced by warm weather countries such as Ecuador, Kenya and Columbia in preparation to be dispatched to other countries to be ready for February 14th. According to the National Retail Federation, the US spent about $23.9 million in 2022 on flowers and other Valentine’s Day gift and about $26 million in 2023.
Hallmark states Valentine’s Day is the 2nd biggest celebration after Christmas for exchanging gifts. Interestingly, teachers receive most of the gifts and love cards, followed by children, mothers and wives. Pets (like dogs and cats) also receive their share of the Valentine’s Day gift as about 27.6 million people in the US purchases gifts for their cats and dogs in 2020.
As February 14th approaches, hearts are aflutter with anticipation and excitement for Valentine’s Day, a celebration of love and affection cherished by people around the world. This annual observance, marked by romantic gestures, heartfelt expressions, and the exchange of gifts, transcends borders and cultures, bringing individuals together in a shared celebration of love.
Originating from ancient Roman rituals and later Christian traditions, Valentine’s Day has evolved into a global phenomenon celebrated in various ways across different cultures. From the exchange of handwritten love notes and bouquets of flowers to romantic dinners and lavish gifts, the expressions of love on this day are as diverse as the individuals who celebrate it.
In Western countries, Valentine’s Day is often associated with grand gestures of romance and affection. Couples exchange gifts such as chocolates, jewelry, and flowers, while restaurants and hotels offer special Valentine’s Day packages to cater to the influx of love-struck patrons. It is a day when declarations of love are made, reaffirming the bonds between partners and creating lasting memories.
However, the celebration of Valentine’s Day extends far beyond the Western world. In Japan, the tradition of exchanging chocolates on Valentine’s Day is deeply ingrained in society, with women typically giving chocolates to men as a token of affection. This tradition has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, with various types of chocolates symbolizing different levels of affection or friendship.
In South Korea, Valentine’s Day is not just a celebration of romantic love but also an opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation for friends and family. The day is marked by the exchange of gifts and handwritten notes, with special emphasis placed on the importance of interpersonal relationships.
Similarly, in countries like Brazil and India, Valentine’s Day has gained popularity in recent years as a day to celebrate love and romance. Couples exchange gifts and spend quality time together, while singles often use the occasion to socialize and meet new people.
Despite its global popularity, Valentine’s Day is not without controversy. Critics argue that the commercialisation has overshadowed its true meaning, reducing love to materialistic expressions and putting undue pressure on individuals to participate in extravagant celebrations.
Moreover, in some parts of the world, Valentine’s Day is viewed with skepticism or outright opposition due to cultural or religious reasons. In conservative societies, the public display of affection associated with Valentine’s Day may be frowned upon, leading to restrictions or bans on its celebration.
In the Arab world, attitudes towards Valentine’s Day vary widely depending on cultural and religious beliefs. While some people embrace it as an opportunity to express love and affection, others view it as a Western import incompatible with Islamic values.
Despite these differences, Valentine’s Day continues to exert its influence in the Arab world, with many young people embracing it as a chance to celebrate love and romance. In urban centers like Dubai and Cairo, Valentine’s Day is marked by the exchange of gifts, romantic dinners, and declarations of love, mirroring the celebrations seen in Western countries.
However, in more conservative regions, the celebration of Valentine’s Day may be met with resistance or skepticism. Religious leaders often caution against the perceived immorality of Valentine’s Day, warning against the pitfalls of Western influence on Islamic culture.
Nevertheless, the impact of Valentine’s Day in the Arab world cannot be ignored. Despite cultural and religious differences, the universal desire for love and connection transcends borders, bringing people together in celebration of a shared human experience.
As we mark February 14th, let us remember that love knows no boundaries and that Valentine’s Day is a celebration of the enduring power of love to unite us all.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
