Valentine’s Day dead? Hell no
Feb 11, 2010
SOME think it a useless holiday and if you are not in love or crushing on anyone, it is a useless reminder that you are all alone. But whether you are in love or not, the day is becoming hard to ignore.
By Carol Kezaabu
SOME think it a useless holiday and if you are not in love or crushing on anyone, it is a useless reminder that you are all alone. But whether you are in love or not, the day is becoming hard to ignore.
Who knew Ugandans were such romantic? Flowers delivered anonymously to a secret love, proclamations of love on the radio and television to win a magical date, not to mention the marriage proposals that come with the day.
And you dare to say that Valentine’s Day is dead in Uganda? The day has its origins in the Christian faith where it is said a priest called Valentine rebelled against King Claudius II who decided that unmarried men made better soldiers than those with wives and families.
He therefore outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret and when he was discovered, the king ordered his death.
According to another legend, Valentine actually sent the first ‘valentine’ greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that he fell in love with a young girl, who may have been his jailor’s daughter, who visited him during his confinement.
Before his death, it is alleged he wrote her a letter, which he signed ‘From your Valentine,’ an expression still in use today. Irrespective of its origins, the day represents the greatest gift of all — Love.
While some people choose to ignore it, more Ugandans have been swept in its romantic ideals. Rogers, (44) says: “We didn’t know much about Valentine’s Day while growing up but as the years have gone by, I see that the day keeps getting bigger and bigger.â€
With the wisdom of age, many older couples do not have to worry about this day but Mary (52 years) says it presents the perfect opportunity to tell your loved ones (children, friends, spouse) how much they mean to you.
In a culture that is averse to overt displays of affection, Valentine’s Day presents a great excuse to say ‘I love you’. Since it falls on a Sunday this year, take time to love and receive love. Whether you spend it with your family or a lover, here is to a very splendid Valentine’s Day.
SOME think it a useless holiday and if you are not in love or crushing on anyone, it is a useless reminder that you are all alone. But whether you are in love or not, the day is becoming hard to ignore.
Who knew Ugandans were such romantic? Flowers delivered anonymously to a secret love, proclamations of love on the radio and television to win a magical date, not to mention the marriage proposals that come with the day.
And you dare to say that Valentine’s Day is dead in Uganda? The day has its origins in the Christian faith where it is said a priest called Valentine rebelled against King Claudius II who decided that unmarried men made better soldiers than those with wives and families.
He therefore outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret and when he was discovered, the king ordered his death.
According to another legend, Valentine actually sent the first ‘valentine’ greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that he fell in love with a young girl, who may have been his jailor’s daughter, who visited him during his confinement.
Before his death, it is alleged he wrote her a letter, which he signed ‘From your Valentine,’ an expression still in use today. Irrespective of its origins, the day represents the greatest gift of all — Love.
While some people choose to ignore it, more Ugandans have been swept in its romantic ideals. Rogers, (44) says: “We didn’t know much about Valentine’s Day while growing up but as the years have gone by, I see that the day keeps getting bigger and bigger.â€
With the wisdom of age, many older couples do not have to worry about this day but Mary (52 years) says it presents the perfect opportunity to tell your loved ones (children, friends, spouse) how much they mean to you.
In a culture that is averse to overt displays of affection, Valentine’s Day presents a great excuse to say ‘I love you’. Since it falls on a Sunday this year, take time to love and receive love. Whether you spend it with your family or a lover, here is to a very splendid Valentine’s Day.