‘Roses are red, violets are blue,’ says the cliché love poem often written to potential suitors on the day of love, the 14th of February, also known as Valentine’s Day.
Many people may not know the significance of this day and why it is celebrated. Going into history books might seem a little boring, but don’t worry! Valentine’s Day will be explained to you in much simpler terms.
According to the information hub Roses Only, Valentine’s Day originated from a man named Saint Valentine, who was a Catholic priest from Rome. It is also stated that Romans were converting to Christianity during that time and the Emperor Claudius II prohibited Christian practices such as soldiers getting married as he wanted them to go to war.
Saint Valentine went against the Emperor’s rules and conducted marriage ceremonies for soldiers because he believed in love. This later led to him being imprisoned, but while incarcerated, he cared for inmates and looked after the jailer’s blind daughter. He even wrote her a love letter addressed “from your Valentine.” Ultimately, Saint Valentine was then executed on February 14th, 270 AD because of his actions.
Sources claim that the jailer’s daughter’s eyesight was healed by Saint Valentine’s love letters. His death symbolises his unwavering belief in the power of love which ultimately led to the establishment of what we now know as Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day is now characterised in pop culture as a day mostly celebrated by couples. However, it also provides an opportunity to spend time with family, friends, or even children. The Hindustan Times shares that romantic gestures can include dining at preferred restaurants, cooking at home together, exchanging homemade gifts, or buying jewellery and watches for each other.
So, let your love radiate on this special day!
