Be My Valentine....

So it’s that month of the year again when you go to the city centre and everything is red and heart shaped and you won’t stop receiving marketing emails on your phones telling you to buy a gift or treat for that special someone. That month of the year when guys, well some, go the extra mile to buy their significant other a special gift and girls vice versa. Some couples even have arguments because a partner did not get the gift he/she expected!!!

Before I go further, let’s take a little trip down memory lane. There are different opinions as to the origin of Valentine’s Day. Some say that it originated from St Valentine, a Roman priest who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity and died on the 14^th of February, the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries.

Legend also says that St Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius who was looking to assemble a large army for a war. Most men did not want to sign up for the war because they did not want to leave their wives and children behind. Emperor Claudius then came up with a very good idea of not allowing any more marriages in the empire. St Valentine however continued to marry couples in secret despite Claudius’s law. He was caught one night, thrown in jail and told that his punishment was death.

While he was in Jail, many young people came to visit him and threw notes and flowers up his window showing that they also believed in love. One of these young people was the daughter of the prison guard whose father allowed her to visit him in his cell. On the day he was to be executed, he left her a little note thanking her for her friendship and loyalty and signed it ‘love from your Valentine’

Putting material things aside, this day signifies true love and friendship and while we are celebrating this legend,  let's not forget that everyday is a day to show love to one another, not only to your spouses but to others as well. You do not have to wait until its Valentine’s day to show that you care, I mean I would love to receive gifts 365days a year!:D

By the way, did you know that in Norfolk, a character called ‘Jack’ Valentine used to knock on the rear door of houses leaving sweets and presents for children? Although he was leaving treats, many children were scared of this mystical person. I would have been really happy though if I was the one receiving treats, definitely not scared!!

For those out there with no lovers and believe they cannot join in the celebration, but don’t want to be left out of the hype of Valentine’s day, why not exchange gifts with a friend, after all it’s a day to celebrate friendship as well or better still treat yourself to something really nice. Not to worry, a ‘special’ Valentine is coming your way really soon!! ;)

Happy Celebrations!

Abisola- UEA Nigerian Student Ambassador.