Exploring the Real Meaning of Valentine’s Day: finding love in today’s world
The Origin
Valentine’s Day has changed a lot over the years. It started from an old festival called Lupercalia. It then became connected to St. Valentine, after some changes made by Pope Gelasius I, but its original story is still a bit mysterious.
Although there were several Christian martyrs named Valentine, the day may have taken its name from a priest who was martyred about 270 CE by the emperor Claudius II Gothicus.
According to legend, the priest signed a letter “from your Valentine” to his jailer’s daughter, whom he had befriended and, by some accounts, healed from blindness. Other accounts hold that it was St. Valentine of Terni, a bishop, for whom the holiday was named, though it is possible the two saints were actually one person.
Another common legend states that St. Valentine defied the emperor’s orders and secretly married couples to spare the husbands from war. It is for this reason that his feast day is associated with love.
Formal messages, or valentines, appeared in the 1500s, and by the late 1700s commercially printed cards were being used.
The first commercial valentines in the United States were printed in the mid-1800s. Valentines commonly depict Cupid, the Roman god of love, along with hearts, traditionally the seat of emotion.
Because it was thought that the avian mating season begins in mid-February, birds also became a symbol of the day.
Traditional gifts include candy and flowers, particularly red roses, a symbol of beauty and love.
The day is popular in the United States as well as in Britain, Canada, and Australia, and it is also celebrated in other countries, including Argentina, France, Mexico, and South Korea.
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In the Philippines it is the most common wedding anniversary, and mass weddings of hundreds of couples are not uncommon on that date. The holiday has expanded to expressions of affection among relatives and friends. Many schoolchildren exchange valentines with one another on this day.
How Valentine’s Day Has Changed
Today, Valentine’s Day is very different from how it began. Nowadays, it’s all about big gifts, fancy dinners, and grand gestures, which have made it lose its true meaning.
The Influence of Social Media
Social media has made Valentine’s Day even more public. People feel pressured to show off their relationships online, turning the day into a show rather than a real celebration of love.
Youth and Valentine’s Day Choices
Young people celebrate Valentine’s Day in different ways. Some show real love, while some take risks. It’s important that they make wise choices and support each other.
Importance of Consent and Respect
There have been reports of sexual assaults on Valentine’s Day. It’s crucial to reinforce the importance of consent, respect, and open communication. Everyone should feel safe and respected in their relationships.
Moving Past Superficial Relationships
Some people compromise their self-worth in relationships that are only about material things. It’s important to remember that real connections are not about gifts. Everyone’s value should not be measured by what they give or receive.
The Influence of Social Media
Social media can create a fake image of life, especially on Valentine’s Day. Encouraging honesty and sincerity in relationships, instead of following society’s pressures, is essential for young people.
Conclusion:
Valentine’s Day has a long history that has changed over time. Young people today face the challenge of a commercialised celebration. It’s important for them to understand the true meaning of this day, resist peer pressure, and make it a genuine expression of love that goes beyond material things.
