Every 14th of February, air bears a bit more sparkle. Every store has hearts on each and every ornament, florists work all-nighters, and everywhere people are caught in the spirit. Under that chocolate and that rose, however, what really does this day mean? Well, let’s look at how it started in history, customs, and most importantly, these modern views when it comes to such a love-filled day.
Valentine’s Day: A History of Sorts Not All About Romantic Dinners and a Mountain of Gifts Always The ancient Romans with their festival of Lupercalia give a tangible beginning to the history of Valentine’s Day. This mid-February festival honors fertility. With Christianity began the holiday honored one martyr: Saint Valentine who allegedly secretly married young couples back when marriage of such persons was forbidden.
It was in the 14th century that poets like Geoffrey Chaucer associated Valentine’s Day with love and romance. By the 19th century, the Valentine’s cards sporting sentimental verses became all the rage. Today, the day has taken an international flavor, with every culture adding its own flair to it.
Love Beyond the Romantic
Although it is generally held to be a lover’s day, there is more that Valentine’s Day is to the world than that perception can allow. It’s everything from the celebration of undying support by the best friend to tender touches with parents down to the joy of self-love. Many use this also as one method of showing appreciation to coworkers or other community individuals on the holidays.
Valentine’s Day can also apply to the single ones. Galentine’s Day-something modern and forced into our radars through Parks and Recreation-made the holiday a fun way to spend time among friends. Other singles use the date to pamper, where it is very much acceptable to buy oneself spa days, one’s favorite foods, or to really get into that really great book.
How Valentine’s Day Is Celebrated around the World
Probably the most interesting thing about Valentine’s Day is how different cultures all around the world celebrate it. Here’s how a few countries celebrate their versions of this holiday:
- Japan: Women give chocolates to men, the types denoting varied relationships. A month later, on White Day, the gentlemen are allowed to return those gifts.
- Mexico: Popularly known as “El Día del Amor y la Amistad”, or Day of Love and Friendship, and well, not only with your girlfriend or partner.
- South Korea: The festivities can be continued for some months! On February 14th, the ladies give, and the gentlemen return the favors on March 14th, known as White Day. Singles have their Black Day on April 14th, eating a bowl of black bean noodles.
- Denmark: The flowers of love exchanged, not roses, are pressed snowdrops. Traditionally, men write funny poems or rhyming love letters known as “gaekkebrev.”
These are but some of the thousands of practices. And yes, it shows that indeed, love is universal, but in so many ways.
The Guilt of Valentine’s Day
Okay, let’s get the elephant out of the room: Valentine’s Day is overwhelming. The pressure to make that perfect date, buy that perfect gift, or even feel a certain way sucks the joy out of the occasion. But here is the thing: love is not about perfection but thoughtfulness, connection, and authenticity.
Instead, focus on what matters to your sweetheart, like maybe a handwritten note or a shared laugh, or just the greatness of time spent. After all, it’s the thought that counts.
Valentine’s Day Celebration Ideas
Whether it be with your partner, friends, or to yourself, here are some ideas to make it special:
- Cook a Meal Together: Avoid restaurants and spend a meal at home. Light some candles, play your favorite playlist, and make it a night to always remember.
- Plan a Surprise: This doesn’t have to be expensive. A scavenger hunt leading to small but meaningful gifts can be so touching.
- Memory Scrapbook: Make a photo album of pictures, tickets, and other small trinkets that tell your story.
- Volunteer Together: Serve at a shelter or donate to a cause-it will be well worth your time.
- Movie Marathon: Choose a theme: romantic comedies, classic love stories, or even anti-Valentine’s Day films, get cozy with popcorn and snuggle blankets.
- Love letters: In the midst of all this texting and using so many emojis, there is gold in sweet letters-self-love is bliss.
Valentine’s Day is just a great excuse to practice self-love. Life gets busy, and it’s easy to neglect yourself. So why not take a moment to do something just for you? Go ahead and treat yourself to a new experience, take a long walk in nature, or start a gratitude journal reflecting on all of the great things in your life.
But then again, loving oneself is actually more a prerequisite and not selfish, if only for the very reason that how you relate with oneself lays the foundation for your relations with the outside world.
The Takeaway
Much greater and more than the commercial holiday, Valentine’s Day is on at least many expressions of its being lovingly inside. Fundamentally speaking, it basically interconnects the one into everything through romancing, relationships as friends or with family bonds and even focusing interest within an individual.
So this February 14th, let’s ditch the pressure and seize the fun. Let the love be celebrated in a way that feels true to you-be it big and showy, low-key, or anywhere in between. After all, at the end of the day, love-in all its messy, beautiful, imperfect glory-is what it’s all about.
What’s your favorite way to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Discover more from AGENDAPEDIA
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.