Valentines Day is here adorned with hearts, chocolates, and flowers, (and according to Google chemical reactions - I'm iodine apparently... – seriously go to Google- it's weird!) and it's easy to get swept away in the hustle and bustle and oh the pressure of Valentine's Day. But amidst the frenzy, it's important to reflect on what it truly means to love and be loved. Valentine's Day shouldn't just be about grand gestures and fancy presents—it's a chance to remind ourselves on how important love is.
The origins of Valentine's Day are as with many saints a bit hazy. One story is that a Christian priest named Valentine in ancient Rome. performed secret marriages for young couples, earning him the title of the patron saint of love. He would apparently cut hearts out of scrolls to remind him of his vows (now how could I weave that into a symbolic element…..). Less romantic when you find out its because married men couldn't be conscripted into the Roman Army and lots of them just didn't want to fight.... The other is that he healed a blind girl, converted her whole family to Christianity, and then just before he was stoned and beheaded he slipped her a note signed 'From Your Valentine'. How romantic (except for the stoning and beheading obvs). It's thought we got to where we are today with help from good old Chaucer, who does tend to stick his oar into these kinds of things but I bet even he couldn't predict the amount spent on Valentines Day on sundries.
So here's a few things to remember on Valentine's Day – and not just in romantic relationships.
Love is more than just a romantic notion—it's about forming genuine connections with others. It's about sharing laughs, supporting one another, and being there through thick and thin.
True love knows no bounds and accepts us for who we are, flaws and all. It's about embracing each other's quirks and celebrating our differences.
Love is about showing kindness and compassion. Whether it's lending a listening ear or offering a helping hand, small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Material possessions may bring burst of joy, but nothing compares to emotional connections and shared experiences. It's the moments spent together, making memories, that make up the story of our life. So instead of the teddy, how about going for a walk or dinner somewhere with no phone signal!
Lastly, it's essential to remember to love ourselves. Embracing who we are, treating ourselves with kindness and compassion, and prioritising our own happiness. As Saint Ru of the Paul says "If you don't love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?"
So this Valentine's Day instead of worrying about how much has been spent let's reclaim Valentine's Day by celebrating love in all its forms. Whether we're in a relationship or single, let's focus on letting those friends, family members, partners in life, know how we feel and bringing a little light into the dark.
P.S Did you know that St Valentine is also the patron saint of Epilepsy, Termi (a place in Italy) and Beekeepers - which I think you'll agree is pretty eclectic....
