Valentine's day also popularly referred to as "lover's day" is celebrated every February 14th. Growing up and coming to see people around me making a big deal out of Valentine's day, it rubbed off on me and I also followed suit. I would ignorantly and crazily await February 14th every year. I waited for the gifts I would receive from those whom I claimed as friends and when I didn't receive any gift, I would get upset with them and begin to question their idea of love.
In a bid to join the flow, I would also spend money that I didn't have simply to adorn myself in the acclaimed "red and white" attire and get matching accessories. It was that much of a big deal back then but all it was for me was a blind celebration.
The day I actually came across the real reason why February 14th was celebrated, my understanding of that day shifted. I came to understand that it was a day set aside to honour a Christian matyr who helped lovers become legally married especially at a time when marriage was banned in Rome. He took big risks going against the Ceaser's orders. So I could understand why he was honoured and celebrated. What I cannot understand is how that day has become so glorified and hyped even more than Christmas.
Some business organizations even take it upon themselves to propagate love but their aim is commerce and profit making. They prey on the innocent minds and make money from it.
*Valentine's day should not be the only day for spreading love. . *Everyday should be "Valentine's" in my opinion.
The way and manner at which Valentine's day is celebrated in my country is a big turn off for me now. Restaurants hike their food, drinks and cake prices. The price of goods with red or white are hiked beyond normal. Even clothes of that colour are sold very costly. "Why?" you might ask. It is all because of Valentine's day.
The essence of commercializing that one day makes no sense to me but that is how it is celebrated in my country. Valentine's day even has more pomp than my country's independence day. What fto you think of that.
The focus of Valentine's day has shifted from honouring a matyr to romanticizing and immorality. So called boyfriends and girlfriends go all out on that day. In a bid to pepper the singles but after nine months, we start hearing a different mantra of hot served breakfast and baby abandonment.
What about the fact that underaged kids are now the target of these commmercialization. Some go all out to do things I would consider immoral simply for a red teddy bear or a boc of chocolate but the effect of their escapades leaves a scar on their life.
I support Valentine's day to be a day used by couples to do something extra special for their spouses. A day where genuine friendships are honoured and celebrated. A day where families take time to treat each member of the family with extra love.
Valentine's day should also be a day for extra self love and care. A day I can delight in myself and give myself extra attention. This should be the way it is celebrated.
Thank you all for reading... Shalom
Images used are from my gallery.