14TH FEBRUARY: A DAY TO REMEMBER
Gloria Mensah Writes:
14th February is known for Valentine's Day, what are your thoughts👂😊.
Well, many people are aware of Valentine's Day, which is highly recognized, appreciated and celebrated worldwide.
One may ask, what is VALENTINE'S DAY?
It is also known as 'Saint Valentine's day' or the ' Feast of Saint Valentine', which is celebrated annually.
It originated as a Christian feast day, which honored a martyr named St Valentine and gradually through later folk traditions, became a significant cultural, religious and commercial celebration of love.
We may also wonder why it is celebrated on February 14.
Legends has it that, St Valentine was a kind hearted man, who helped many people including soldiers who could not marry due to their devotion to Rome to serve.
St Valentine assisted the soldiers to marry in secret Christian ceremonies, which the soldiers were denied that privilege as part of their devotion.
St Valentine did this as part of his nature in showing kindness and love to everyone around him, as he believed that everyone deserves love and happiness.
Subsequently, the Emperor Claudius II found out about St Valentine's actions and jailed him.
Fast forward, St Valentine was executed on 14th February in the year A.D. 270.
A pagan ritual was held in February each year, and the then Pope Gelasius 1 proclaimed 14 February as the feast day on the Catholic Calendar of Saints.
What does Valentine's Day symbolize?
It symbolizes the acts of love, friendship and affection which people show towards others.
It is a time greeting cards and gifts are sent to loved ones, couples go on date nights, church service among others.
It is officially fixed and observed on February 14, by Western Christian Church, and on July 6 and July 30 by the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Does Valentine's Day have any relevance in the Bible?
The Bible does not provide any information about this day but it does have several verses on the subject of showing love and kindness to people.
As stated in Colossians 3:12, " As chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience".
This shows that, people can show love and kindness to others every blessed day, which the Bible does not disregard February 14, but also it motivate individuals never to seize showing compassion towards one another.
Is Valentine's Day relevant today?
The answer is YES. It reflects on love, admiration, affection among others, which makes it more relevant than ever in the history of love.
It is a unique way of showing appreciation to family, friends and couples whether married or unmarried.
To crown it all, Valentine's Day is an occasion and one should not feel pressured or obligated to celebrate, regardless of their relationship status.
Everyone has a special way of expressing their love and kindness, thus we should appreciate and cherish every moment as it is already a special gift on its own😊.
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