BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – TODAY (Feb. 14) is Valentine’s Day and bar of assorted chocolate, roses, perfumes, stuffed animals and other goodies of sentimental value would serve as a token of love for many romantic couples, secret admirers and others who are love-crushing on this special individual.
This day is also special to some family members and friends who see it as one to demonstrate love and affection towards each other.
Schools in the Federation – pre-school, primary, secondary and even at the post-secondary level - as usual have put together Valentine’s Day packages for their students, many of whom would be allowed to don their Valentine’s Day best for this annual Mufti Day treat.
So, apart from the widely accepted love theme of Valentine’s Day, how many of you have any idea or have ever researched the historical background of this day which is celebrated in many countries around the world?
History.com refers to Valentine’s Day as a “centuries-old holiday, from ancient Roman rituals to the customs of Victorian England”.
According to that website, “The history of Valentine's Day - and the story of its patron saint - is shrouded in mystery.”
SKNVibes took to the streets of Basseterre yesterday morning (Feb. 13) and spoke with a few individuals.
Read below to see what they had to say.
Glen Thomas
“To me Valentine’s Day is just another occasion celebrated once a year. But if you’re into Valentine’s and you’re thinking about that special person, then Valentine’s Day should be every day. With me, I cook and if you had a long day, I say let’s have a night out. Sometimes I buy a gift and put it at home and, by the time she reaches home, she sees it. You got to keep the spark…can’t let it go.”
Shamella Ephraim
“I think Valentine’s Day is a special day to love and share joy with your loved ones. I feel although people think it’s gay, I think it’s a time for love. That’s my opinion.”
Beverly Bartlette
“Just wanna say happy Valentine’s Day to one and all…Enjoy!”
Sam Condor
“Nothing is wrong with having a special day. I can identify with that because love is important. Faith, hope and love… it is said that out of these three love is the greatest. This is a good time of the year to show love, not just for one’s spouse or children but for fellowmen. It is out of love for fellowman that we can build a united country and all of us would benefit. I’m not a Valentine’s Day person…I don’t give gifts, but if people feel that they want to do it to highlight their love, there’s nothing wrong with that.”
Asha
“Yes I’ll be celebrating Valentine’s Day. I don’t know what I’ll be doing yet. I might be going to the casino, so most likely it will be gambling for Valentine’s Day.”
Rocky
“Well, I think it is one of the best days to try to make up with your woman. Other than that, it is one of the best occasions that give us a way to express love to everybody.”
Fiona Halliday
“I didn’t come out yesterday to sell because of the rain. Business has been going fairly for now. It’s a little early to tell. I will have to wait ‘til four O’clock. Last year’s sale were favourable.”
More information revealed on History.com stated that the Catholic Church recognises at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.
“One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realising the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.”
Reportedly, as gleaned from the website, other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured.
"According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl - possibly his jailor's daughter - who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed 'From your Valentine', an expression that is still in use today.”
More information could be found at www.history.com/topics/valentines-day .
