February came to be known as the “Love Month.” Valentine’s Day has been celebrated at least since the 14th century. But the origins of Valentine’s Day are yet unknown. There are quite a few patron saints that are named St. Valentine. As to which one is the real history of why Valentine’s Day became a festival date for couples, it still cannot be determined as a fact.
But here are some of the stories concerning the different St. Valentines. According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, there is a Christian martyr, St. Valentine. It is said that he was a Roman priest and a physician. Around 270, he was one of the Christians persecuted by the emperor Claudius II Gothicus. Another martyr, also named St. Valentine, was a bishop of Terni, Italy. Nobody can tell if these are two different persons or speak only of one.
Legends say St. Valentine sent out a letter to the daughter of one of his jailers. He signed it: “From your Valentine.” They were friends, and he healed her of blindness. While another story says that to spare husbands from being enlisted in the army during times of war, St. Valentine secretly married couples. He was defying the orders of the emperor.
Although it cannot be told for certain which one is the actual historical story of the origins of Valentine’s Day, it is still practiced today. Maybe the greeting cards were from the St. Valentine who sent a letter? Maybe the Mass Weddings in the Philippines are often held this month, February, because of St. Valentine’s.
MASS WEDDINGS
Have you heard of Mass Weddings? It has become a tradition in the Philippines especially for the bride and groom who cannot afford the expenses. They sometimes get to celebrate the love of 100 couples. Local Government Units (LGU) sponsor the Mass Weddings. Couples only have to register and wear the proper attire while the government provides the other essentials. So if you are one of the couples who cannot afford a Wedding, why not celebrate it on Valentine’s month with other couples?
There are different ways to show your love for your beloved on Valentine’s Day. Are you one of those who look forward to celebrating it? Or are you aloof about it, as it is only a marketing strategy to buy stuff, toys, chocolates, cards, flowers, and all that mushy stuff? When you celebrate Valentine’s Day, it does not only mean it is an exclusive occasion for couples. Families celebrate it. Children gift their parents on Valentine’s. Students also give sweet things to their teachers. Valentine’s is a special occasion for everyone.
When I was still a young girl, I learned to make hand-made cards at school. When I learned to do that, I kept making cards for special occasions for my parents. Valentine’s Day became one of the most celebrated occasions we have in the family. I would creatively come up with a simple but nice card that comes from me, hand-made.
VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT
When I became an adult and could afford it, my favorite Valentine’s Day gift to Mama and Papa was a dinner treat to a concert. Their eyes twinkled with happiness when they came home from their Valentine’s date. Seeing them so happy is one of my favorite memories I got to do especially for Mama and Papa. Mama enthusiastically told me how she was near one of the artists which thrilled her.
Dinner dates with concerts have become one of the most commercialized Valentine shows. The artists, both local and international, schedule their shows on “Love Month” because it is when there are more couples who are willing to spend money on their special one. For others, having cherished memories together is more important than buying them material things. When they attend concerts, the music they see together as a couple makes it have a meaningful, sentimental value.
Did you know there is also the so-called “Lonely Hearts Club”? It is one of the things that most single people call themselves when it’s Valentine’s month. They would rather not join the hype of commercialism on Valentine’s Day, and either sulk by themselves or go out on get-togethers with their single friends.
Whether you celebrate Valentine’s or are indifferent, “Love Month” is here to stay and celebrated. Those who choose not to recognize or celebrate it say that love should be commemorated daily. But those who choose to hold February as a special occasion gather in unison with everyone else. Like Christmas, Valentine’s is a special time to be together as a community for the best reason: The celebration of love.
