As valentine’s day approaches every year, with comes a flood of blogs/posts with titles like “Every Day is Valentine’s Day”, “Love is eternal, not made for a single day” and many other similar ones criticizing the celebration of Valentine’s day to some extent. Well, I have no problem with the message that these blogs try to convey. I also believe that Love is something divine. Nothing is better than being in love with someone. But why hating a day which reminds us about celebrating love our lives? Be it your spouse or kids.
At its heart, on 14th February we celebrate the legacy of Saint Valentine of Rome, a second-century priest who was persecuted by the Roman Empire for serving Christians and refusing to quit his faith in Jesus. It is said that he was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry, thus becoming the patron saint of love-struck couples. And this is the whole story behind this lovey dovey and highly misunderstood festival. As per legends, this day has nothing to do with red color flowers, heart shaped chocolates and cupid-inspired cards. But definitely, this day has something to do with sacrificial love and celebrating the free will to love in today’s world. I too am a person who thinks Valentine’s Day should not be considered as a way of asking expensive gifts and luxury items from your spouse. No, not at all. However, I am against of saying that “This is a western culture thing.” “ This day has given couples a medium to express their love in public.” OR, “ Everyday is Valentine’s Day”.
Now, I would focus my thoughts keeping in mind our Indian culture. We have specific days for festivals here, like Diwali, Holi, Eid, we celebrate them all on a particular day. The mythological facts behind Diwali don’t say that people should spend money on crackers. But people do. Holika Dahan is only about the victory of Good over evil. But people play colors, drink and even tease others in the name of celebrating a DAY which is Holi. Then why not give a day to Saint Valentine who helped many in-love couples and gave the world a reason to value LOVE. It is completely okay if your spouse doesn’t believe in Valentine’s Day. I would say, it is wisdom to respect his/her choice and celebrate/not celebrate Valentine’s Day. If your relationship is going well and you have proved yourselves in times of hardships and brokenness, you are fortunate to have a life full of love. If your spouse understands you the most, if he/she has accepted your good and worst shades with equal treatment and if he/she has never left your side, believe me, this is called true affection. This is the spirit of romance.
I am not saying everyone should celebrate this day. But I believe this day can be a powerful reminder of why you fell in love with your spouse and it can rekindle all those warm and fuzzy feelings which couples hide inside. Also, you should not expect one day to accomplish which you have not done in 365 days before. It is almost impossible to achieve. However, you can at least give seed to a new relationship. You can start giving more attention to your spouse. You can try doing what your spouse like but you don’t. Please remember, there is no need to BUY anything for celebrating Valentine’s Day. Give your spouse/family something which money can’t buy but has importance in your relationship. LOVE.
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