The beautiful things in life are felt from the heart. And with that, while we are in the midst of Chinese New Year, another season to celebrate arrives, Valentine’s Day.
What is Valentine’s Day? Apparently, it is the most romantic day of the year. Couples get together on this day to go on a romantic quest to fulfil the love for one another. Such quest includes a Valentine’s dinner, exchanging gifts and flowers, and other extra activities to express love.
While there are those who argue that everyday can be a Valentine’s Day, however like all festivities, celebrating on the day itself provides not only a special meaning, but also ignites a special feeling inside. Some even use the opportunity to propose to their loved ones, or to celebrate being single with a group of friends.
In Taiwan even, Valentine’s Day is when the motels would receive the highest room booking rate. It is according to a Taiwanese, a part of their culture each year.
There are countries that take their Valentine’s Day seriously, however, there are also countries that banned the day. Russia, Pakistan, some parts of USA and Europe restrict its citizen from celebrating as it not only conflicts with their respective culture, but also brings questionable doubts on moral values.
Nonetheless, the spirit of Valentine’s Day is strongly felt in Kuching, Sarawak with Valentine canopies being set up by the roadside to attract buyers to purchase gifts for their love ones. Among the prominent merchandises available are huge teddy bears, soft-toys bouquets, and flower bouquets.
Apart from that, most restaurants and cafes offers Valentine menu sets at a price for couples to dine in and celebrate the night together. Cinemas on this day will be flocking with couples to continue to celebration.
But what is Valentine’s and where did it come from, or how did it even start?
There are several versions on how Valentine’s Day started, but the most widely accepted one is the story of a famous saint called Saint Valentine, or his real name Valentinus. Saint Valentine was a priest from Rome in the third century AD.
During that period, Roman leader, Emperor Claudius II disallow marriage as he felt that married men could not focus and concentrate on their duties, thus making them bad soldiers.
Valentine felt that this was unfair, hence he violated the law and had furtively arranged marriages between lovers. When the emperor found out, Valentine was thrown in jail and sentenced to death.
During lockup, he fell in love with the jailer’s daughter. On the day of his execution, the date, February 14, he sent her a love letter signed “from your Valentine”.
This romantic tale from the Medieval times became the root of today’s romantic celebration. Saint Valentine was at times referred to as a symbol of courtly love.
By the 18th century, February 14, known as Valentine’s Day had become a day where lovers showed their affection deeply by exchanging letters and presents.
And so, the tradition continues till this day.
