Every day should be Valentine’s Day

Photo: Mahmud Zaman Ovi

Valentine's Day is finally here, knocking at our doors. Or, is it the heart's door?

Yes, every day should be Valentine's Day. But then with all the hustle-bustle of our daily life, we forget to express our deep-rooted love to our beloved ones. We can consider Valentine's Day as a reminder. The day rekindles our love and passion for our beloved ones.

Some people are sceptical of this day and ask, "Do you know the dark origins of this festival?"

Well, according to popular belief, Saint Valentine was a priest who reportedly helped Christian couples get married in secrecy, as Emperor Claudius II was believed to have been against the institution of marriage. He was beheaded for this act. The Romans executed two men named Valentine on Feb 14 in different years in the 3rd century A.D.  Scholars have found out, at least three St. Valentines.

So where does this concept of St Valentine's Day come from? The answer is: it's still a mystery.

Let's not ponder those negative thoughts.

On a happy note, in tune with the Valentine's, it's interesting to know that during the Middle Ages, in France and England, it was commonly believed that Feb 14 was the beginning of birds' mating season, which led to the idea that Valentine's Day should be a day for romance.

The English poet Geoffrey Chaucer in his 1375 poem 'Parliament of Foules, referred to this:

'For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne's day

Whan every foul cometh ther to choose his mate.' 

Possibly this is the first reference in the literature about St. Valentine's Day, as a day of the romantic celebration.

Interestingly, Shakespeare refers to the story in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', when Theseus finds the lovers asleep in the woods: Saint Valentine is past; Begin these wood-birds but to couple now?

Romantic love pervades most of Shakespeare's dramas and sonnets.

In Sonnet 18 he writes:

             Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?

The lover sees a beautiful young woman and imagines her old and wrinkled in the future. But his love doesn't waver because his love is far deeper than dependent on her youthful beauty.

Who can forget the essence of romantic love in Shakespearean dramas of the love-lorn yearnings of Romeo and Juliet, Antony and Cleopatra, Hamlet and Ophelia among many more?

Chaucer and Shakespeare's writings have helped Valentine's Day gain popularity throughout Britain and the rest of Europe. Gradually, Feb 14, St. Valentine's Day became symbolic of love and romance.

It's estimated that nearly 145 million Valentine's Day cards are bought each year. People complain about merchandisers making money out of all the cards and gifts bought during this day. Well, don't we do the same on other occasions as well? So, I believe, there's nothing wrong with investing a little money to pamper our loved ones on this day?

People across the world celebrate each day of the week, starting from Feb 7 to Feb 14. The Rose Day marks the start of Valentine week followed by Propose Day, Chocolate Day, Teddy Day, Promise Day, Kiss Day, Hug Day and finally – Valentine's Day! The names of the days are suggestive of the gifts and things that people do on those days.

Though, couples exchange flowers, chocolates and gifts the whole week, it also focuses on showing gratitude to friends and family by sending gifts or celebrating the day together. The caring thought behind the gift makes the loved ones happier than the gifts.

Apart from gifts, there are many other ways to make the day special. We can celebrate by going out on trips to dream destinations or enjoying meals at restaurants.

The last two years have been infested with the pandemic. This year is no exception. Infection and death rates are climbing the index. It would be wise to think about the safety of our loved ones rather than just randomly celebrate the day without any safety precautions. The welfare of our beloved ones should always be a priority.

Even with these restrictions, we can still create a memorable Valentine's Day experience. More so, as life has become pretty dull, this day can be turned into an especially memorable one.

Anything that we do, either just for our spouse or the whole family, needs careful thought and preparation.

Couples can do something special for each other.

Write a love letter with silly little confessions of your love along with your wedding photographs on the dresser. You can also leave the love note in the purse, or put it on the bathroom mirror or on the work desk with a red rose.

You can indulge in breakfast in bed. Have your spouse's favourite things and savour them together. It will be a nice change from the usual morning rush. Reminisce how you fell in love. Talk about all the great things you have done together: the home, the trips, the children and your dreams.

If you're attending the office in person, get away from work and meet each other either for lunch or coffee during the day. But if you're working from home order your partner's favourite meal, lunch and dinner both, from one of your favourite restaurants. This will save your time from kitchen chores. You can also have a candlelight dinner with red roses on the table. Sit on the couch and go through your memory lane by looking at the albums.

Whatever you do, do dress up for the occasion. After all, it's not every day that you have this romantic time together. Wear red. Red has been the colour for Valentine's Day as it's scientifically proven that wearing red makes you more attractive, be it a man or woman. Though, personally, I prefer cool colours like blue, green and purple for men.

After dinner, play some romantic music and dance together with candles lit in corners, to have a dreamy effect.

Think up of something extraordinary to express your love.

If you're far away from each other or having a long-distance relationship, go on a zoom date. Dress up have some special virtual time together.

If there are other family members, prepare cards for each other along with the children. Encourage them to make gifts for others; arrange an array of dishes on the table with items loved by all the members.

Dinner can be fun. Have a huge decorated feast. Arrange a gala show night with each member performing something for fun.  Later you can have a dance party.

Everyone knows the best present you can give to your loved ones is quality time. It may sound trivial but it's true.  Sometimes it's the small little gestures that really count.

Valentine's Day is a special day to take a break from the monotony of everyday life relationships. It's like a reminder on the clock to wake up from sleep and reawaken the passion that gets buried under the chaotic life that we lead.

Express your love and gratitude to your loved ones on Valentine's Day to keep the flame of love burning throughout the year.

Let every day be a Valentine's Day;

Be my lover till the end of my day.