VALENTINE'S DAY - SHORT STORY
February, 14 the world celebrates Valentine Day, whose origins are believed to be in the Italian capital, Rome.
Most women, especially in urban areas, will be dressed in red to grace the day as the tradition demands. Staff Writer Deogratias Mushi looks at the origin of this feast and its relevance.
Walking around different cities and towns today, most women will be putting on red attires.
They might be putting on red shoes, red dresses and even red scuffs.
After work hours in the evening, most restaurants, bars and disco halls will be filled with lovers.
Many people (especially in Africa) dont know exactly the origin of this day, and why it is celebrated.
It is even sad that some associate the day with sexual affair, which is in fact not the fundamental meaning of the day.
Different writings show that Valentine day originated in Rome, the headquarters of the Catholic Church, and it slowly started spreading to other parts of the world.
The same feast Day started becoming popular in Tanzania less than ten years ago.
The Catholic Church recognizes three different saints named Valentine, who were martyred on February 14, and all date from very early in the churchs history.
One was a priest in Rome, another was the bishop of Interamna (modern-day Terni in Italy), and the third died in Africa.
The bishop of Interamna or a combination of the bishops inspired the holiday and some catholic priests based in Rome.
Those who have investigated on this Day say that some miraculous acts are attributed to St. Valentine.
One of the most popular legends about Valentines Day concerns marriage.
The encyclopedia of the Catholic Church explains that the reigning Roman emperor, Claudius, was recruiting soldiers to go to war, but many men didnt wish to leave their wives or girlfriends, so the emperor outlawed new marriages.
Valentine defied him by secretly marrying couples, which earned Valentine a prison sentence and, ultimately, death.
A book with a title Early Roman Saints recounts Valentines stay in prison, during which he cured the jailers daughter of blindness.
He fell in love with the woman and sent her a final letter signed from your Valentine.
The same book says that is the reason why lovers call each other their valentine.
As is the case with many Christian holidays, Valentines Day probably incorporates some pagan elements.
In ancient Rome, February 15 was the start of a major fertility festival called Lupercalia. This festival was dedicated in part to Juno, the patron goddess of women and marriage and during the celebration, boys drew girls names from an urn.
Sometimes, these pairings led to a wedding. When Christianity became the religion of the Roman Empire, the old pagan festivals were ended.
Many people continued to celebrate them, so the Church attempted to change the pagan elements. For Lupercalia, instead of drawing a future mates name, children drew the names of saints and were supposed to emulate them for the year.
The day of St. Valentines was conveniently close to the old festival day, thus the pagan celebration evolved into a Christian saints day. Around the year 498, Pope Gelasius (492-496)made it official by declaring February 14 St. Valentines Day.
Valentines Day traditions and stories grew popular over time, particularly in the Middle Ages. The chivalric idea of courtly love fit well with this holiday, and noblemen and women sent love notes and small gifts.
By the 17th century, many people in Europe celebrated the holiday. In the Victorian era, mass-produced Valentines day cards became available, and theyve been a big hit with romantics ever since.
A question may be posed.
Isnt it time we examine why we encourage our children to celebrate St. Valentines Day - when it is never mentioned in the Holy Books?
Today, young people unload tons of heart-shaped red boxes for February 14, while millions of the younger set are annually exchanging valentines. The day is however very profitable to some people, as they will make a lot of money today.
Among them are florists, especially those located in Dar es Salaam consider February 14 - St. Valentines Day - as one of their best business days.
Garment shops and some local tailors have also made some good money as people went during the weekend to buy their todays outfits. Tonight, young lovers will go out for a dance or two - at St. Valentines balls.
But why all that? Where did these customs originate? Where do we find any such practices in the Holy Books? How did we come to inherit these customs?
The reflection of this day should make the world give it a deeper relevant meaning.
