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Valentine’s Day. A day of love, gifts, and endless social media posts. But have you ever stopped and thought, where did this even start? Why has it become such a massive deal? And most importantly, do we even need it?
Let’s talk about it’s interesting facts. The story behind this day, how it’s changed over time, and whether it still makes sense in today’s world.
Valentine’s Day goes way back to ancient Rome, but trust me, it was not always about love and romance. It’s linked to Saint Valentine, though the story is a bit hazy. In fact, there were a few Saint Valentines, but one tale stands out. Let me take you back in time.
Back in the 3rd century, Emperor Claudius II decided that soldiers should not marry because he thought single men made better warriors. A priest named Valentine did not agree and went against the rule, secretly marrying couples. Obviously, he got caught, was thrown in prison, and later executed on 14 February 269 AD. Eventually, the Catholic Church named him Saint Valentine.
Over the years, this day changed. By the Middle Ages, poets like Geoffrey Chaucer connected it to romance. By the 18th century, people started writing love letters, and by the 20th century? Well, it turned into the billion pound industry we see today.
Back in the day, Valentine’s was all about personal touches, love letters, poetry, and heartfelt words. No over the top gifts, no expensive dinners, just pure, simple expressions of love.
Now? It’s completely different. Valentine’s Day has turned into a full-blown business. Shops are filled with chocolates, cards, stuffed toys, and ridiculously expensive gifts. And let’s not forget social media, where couples post grand gestures and love stories, making single people feel left out. A lot of people don’t even celebrate it because they believe in it, they just do it to keep up appearances.
Of course, for some, it still holds meaning. Some people struggle to say “I love you,” and Valentine’s Day gives them that little push. Others use it as a chance to appreciate their partners, which is not a bad thing at all. And let’s be real, it’s great for businesses, florists, restaurants, and gift shops to make a killing this season.
But then there’s the other side, where love suddenly comes with a price tag. If you don’t buy something, does that mean you don’t love your partner? And what about singles? Social media doesn’t make it any easier, making some feel completely left out. On top of that, for a lot of people, it’s not even about love anymore. It’s about showing off.
So, do we really need a day to celebrate love? Think about it. Does love need a calendar date? If you truly care about someone, should not you show it every single day? Why wait for 14 February to prove it?
Countries where Valentine’s Day is not celebrated or banned
Do you know that not everyone buys into the hype? In some countries, Valentine’s Day is either ignored completely or even banned for cultural, religious, or political reasons:
- Saudi Arabia: Has banned Valentine’s Day items in the past, calling it un-Islamic.
- Iran: Sees it as a Western influence. In 2011, the government even banned the production of Valentine’s Day gifts.
- Pakistan: In 2017, the Islamabad High Court put a stop to public celebrations, saying it goes against Islamic teachings.
- Indonesia: Some cities have banned it, linking it to immorality.
- India: It’s not banned, but certain groups strongly oppose it, calling it a Western import.
Restrictions in India
Over the years, Valentine’s Day has faced backlash in India. Here are some incidents that made headlines:
- Pune, 2010: Police put restrictions on public displays of affection and loud celebrations to avoid chaos.
- Hindu Mahasabha, 2015: This right-wing group threatened to forcibly marry couples celebrating in public, saying it promotes Western culture. Luckily, it was not widely enforced.
- Bengaluru, 2024: A liquor ban was put in place in some parts of the city on Valentine’s Day and the days after, not because of Valentine’s, but due to a Legislative Council By-Election.
Alternative celebrations on 14 February
Not everyone celebrates Valentine’s. Some places have come up with their own versions:
- India: Certain groups push for Parents’ Worship Day (Matru Pitru Poojan Divas), asking people to honour their parents instead.
- Pakistan: Some groups promote Haya Day (“Modesty Day”), encouraging traditional values instead.
- Iran: Celebrates Sepandarmazgan, an ancient Persian festival of love and friendship.
- Japan & South Korea: Women give chocolates to men on Valentine’s Day, and men return the favour on White Day (14 March).
The story of Valentine’s Day started with something beautiful, a man who believed in love and fought for it. But let’s be honest, today it’s more about money than real feelings.
Different cultures have shaped, accepted, or rejected it in their own way. Some celebrate it wholeheartedly, while others ban or modify it to fit their traditions.
But here’s the truth. If you love someone, you don’t need a date to show it. Prove it every day, not just on 14 February. Love does not need a calendar.
Also Read: Gandhiji’s Legacy: Nonviolence and Truth in Global Movements
