Happy Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day, also called St Valentine’s Day or the Feast of St Valentine, is an annual holiday celebrated on February 14.
It originated as a Western Christian liturgical feast day honouring one or more early saints named Valentinus, and is recognised as a significant cultural and commercial celebration in many regions around the world, although it is not a public holiday in any country.
The day encourages people to shower their significant other with gifts and affection, with many opting to enjoy an evening out enjoying a candlelit dinner.
The day first became associated with romantic love within the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.
In 18th-century England, it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards, known as Valentines.
In Europe, St Valentine’s Keys are given to lovers as a romantic symbol and an invitation to unlock the giver’s heart.
But for many the day is nothing more than a money-making scheme.
I asked people on Facebook how they will be spending Valentine’s Day, and if they thought it was important to do something for their special someone or if it was just another day?
- Angelique Fletcher said, “It is just a money-making scheme and you shouldn’t need Valentine’s Day as the excuse to shower your partner with love.”
- Charmaine Buttrick and Claire Erasmus both agree that the day is just another day, nothing special.
- George Anestidis agreed that the day is a money-making scheme and love should be shown every day, however, saw no harm in showing a little extra love on this special day, “Ladies maybe you should spoil the guys this year,” he suggested.
- Sandor Oroszi agreed it was just another day but said he would be spending some alone time with his special someone, “ We don’t really do much, but we will probably grab pizza and watch The Hobbit,” he said.
There is no wrong way to spend this loved-up day, so have fun and remember not to take things too seriously, there is always another day to show your affection.
Other articles you may be interested in:
Valentine’s Menu: All things red
This Valentine’s: Five famous love stories
