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February 14th is Valentine’s Day, so for the newsletter this week, I thought I would create a brief history of the day and discovered it is a much older tradition than I first thought.
However you decide to celebrate, if you do decide to celebrate enjoy the day. And if you decide to just stay home and watch a film, this is a good one… (if you like mystery with a touch of scariness.)
Valentine’s Day History
Valentine's Day has its roots in both ancient Roman and Christian traditions. Here’s a brief overview of its history:
Ancient Roman Festival: The origins of Valentine’s Day date back to the Roman festival of Lupercalia, celebrated in mid-February. This festival honored the Roman god of fertility and included various rituals to promote fertility and ward off evil spirits.
St. Valentine: The day is named after St. Valentine, a Christian martyr. There are several legends surrounding him, but one popular story suggests that he was a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II by secretly marrying couples to spare husbands from war. He was executed on February 14, around 269 AD.
Christian Celebration: By the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I declared February 14 as St. Valentine’s Day, aiming to Christianise the pagan festival of Lupercalia. Over time, the day became associated with romantic love.
Middle Ages: The tradition of courtly love began to flourish in the Middle Ages. Chaucer’s poetry in the 14th century linked St. Valentine’s Day with romantic love, further establishing the day as one for lovers.
19th Century Commercialization: In the 19th century, Valentine’s Day began to be commercialised, with the introduction of mass-produced greeting cards in the United States. This trend grew, leading to the widespread exchange of cards, flowers, and gifts.
Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated globally, focusing on expressions of love and affection, often through gifts, cards, and romantic gestures.
St Valentine
Is Valentine's Day Worth Celebrating?
Valentine's Day has evolved into a multifaceted holiday that elicits a range of opinions and emotions. Here’s a closer look at whether it’s a day we should celebrate, its fun aspects, the concerns about commercialisation, and its implications for mental health, especially for singletons.
A Day to Celebrate Love
For many, Valentine’s Day is a cherished occasion to express love and affection. It’s a day filled with opportunities for creativity, from handwritten notes to surprise date nights. Couples often take the time to reconnect, celebrating not just romantic love but also friendship and familial bonds.
The Fun Factor
Valentine’s Day can be a lot of fun! Whether it’s planning a special dinner, exchanging thoughtful gifts, or participating in fun activities like cooking together or going out, the day can create memorable experiences. Many also enjoy the whimsical aspects, such as themed decorations and heart-shaped treats, adding joy to the winter season.
Commercialisation Concerns
However, there’s a growing sentiment that Valentine's Day has become overly commercialised. Critics argue that the pressure to buy extravagant gifts or dine at expensive restaurants can overshadow the true meaning of the holiday. The retail industry capitalises on this, leading to a feeling that love must be displayed through material means.
Celebrating Love Every Day
Some argue that love should be celebrated daily rather than confined to a single day each year. This perspective emphasises small, everyday gestures of affection, fostering deeper connections without the pressures of societal expectations. By making love a daily practice, couples can create a more fulfilling and genuine relationship.
Mental Health Implications for Singletons
Valentine's Day can be particularly challenging for those who are single. The marketing and social media portrayals of couples celebrating can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and inadequacy. This can lead to increased anxiety or depression for some individuals. It’s important for singletons to remember that their worth is not defined by their relationship status and to find ways to celebrate self-love, whether through time with friends, self-care activities, or pursuing personal passions.
Ultimately, whether or not to celebrate Valentine's Day is a personal choice. It can be a day of fun and connection for some, while others may feel it’s a reminder of societal pressures and commercialisation. The key is to approach the day in a way that aligns with your values and emotional well-being, whether that means celebrating love in all its forms or prioritising self-compassion and everyday gestures of affection.
In a world where love is often commodified, let’s strive to celebrate it authentically, every day.
My next refresher course is on the 27th February - I am offering a 10% discount on this course/date only. To book email [email protected]
Best wishes
Christina
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