Valentine’s Day is celebrated by many young lovers around the world, but only a few people know the history of Valentine’s Day. There are many legendary stories about Valentine’s Day. A story associated with this event comes from the Roman era. In the third century, a Roman emperor outlawed marriage for soldiers, he believed that married soldiers would be weakened on the frontlines or fighting. A priest named Valentine saw the injustice of the law, and he defied the law by secreting to make official marriages for soldiers. An emperor discovered Valentine’s defiance, he later was executed as a consequence. A few centuries later, Pope recognized Valentine’s martyrdom. Valentine was later canonized.
Before the digital era, young couples often sent paper cards to their lovers on 14 Feb. Now paper cards become outdated, young couples often send their lovers’ e-cards with many desires through smartphones or computers. Many products are associated with Valentine’s Day such as flowers(a Rose is considered the symbol for Valentine’s Day), chocolate products, and appearance gifts(makeup, clothes, shoes, etc.). Valentine’s Day is also good for the economy when people spend money on restaurants, shopping, hotel rooms, and vacations.
What countries celebrate, what countries don’t celebrate
Almost 100% secularist countries celebrate Valentine’s Day from North America to South America, European countries, and many countries in Asia and Africa. China celebrates its own version of Valentine’s Day falls on a different date. India celebrates Valentine’s Day but many Hindu extremists and conservative people consider Valentine’s Day as postcolonialism, they don’t encourage young couples to celebrate it.
The most conservative Islamist countries ban Valentine’s Day, they consider Valentine’s Day as a product of Christianization or Western culture that has a hidden agenda to destroy Islamist cultures. They also ban products symbolized for Valentine’s Day such as Rose flowers, red cards, red chocolates with heart images, etc.
What are your opinions about Valentine’s Day in your country? Please leave comments and share my blog. I wish all couples will have a wonderful Valentine’s Day.