St. Valentine, the love hero back in 270 A.D, broke the rules by arranging marriages in secret and since the end of the 5th century, people started breaking the bank every 14 February.
Ever heard of love and marriage in a lottery? Luck at first sight, originated at the Roman festival, Lupercalia, which officially commenced in springtime.
‘Tis the season for the most popular wingmen – cupid and doves who bring in that sugar, spice, and everything nice feeling and ignite a spark in those McDreamy eyes.
Paris, known as the city of love, is not the only place with a trail of hearts and roses. Hundreds of people in the Philippines gather at a public wedding ceremony every Valentine’s Day declaring their love and saying, “I do.”
People in Finland, and Estonia celebrate by hopping on the love bus hoping to meet their significant other. The Danes add some humour to their tradition by sending out an anonymous love note, the gaekkebrev, signed “from your valentine” along with white flowers called “snowdrops”.
Korea encourages love all year long on the 14th of every month with karaoke, black bean noodles, soju, silver rings, wine, movies, and homemade candies. They call it “12 days of love”.
Indians celebrate the month of love with great excitement, promises, and gifts. The week before the actual occasion, a majority of youngsters strictly follow what I call, “The Valentine calendar”. Each day signifies a unique way of expressing love. The week starts with roses followed by the proposal which is then topped up with chocolates, a teddy, a hug, and that magical kiss.
Picture this: standing on the Bridge of Sighs in Venice and the Gondola ride into the sunset with reflections of yellow lights capturing the perfect moment. A dream come true, isn’t it? This was my idea of an ideal way to celebrate the day of love.
Looking back at how my dad would wake me and my brother minutes before 12 pm, handing us a gift and saying, “This is for Mom. Hurry! Let’s go wish her a Happy Valentine’s Day;” made me realize hot air balloons, letting go of lanterns, and fancy dinner dates are not the only way to express love. The simple things matter the most like, the smile and happiness on Mom’s face when she opens the present and that cute little note addressed to her.
Quoting my favourite lyrics that Jax summarised so beautifully in her song, “I need a man who loves me like my father loves my Mom”.
Happy Valentine’s Day
