Learn about the history, meaning and purpose of Valentine’s Day 2024, which is observed on February 14th.
Valentine’s Day is observed on February 14 every year. Rose Day and Kiss Day mark the beginning and finish of the week-long events leading up to the Day of Love. Rose Day (February 7), Propose Day (February 8), Chocolate Day (February 9), Teddy Day (February 10), Promise Day (February 11), Hug Day (February 12) and Kiss Day (February 13) are the seven days of Valentine’s Week.
Valentine’s Day is a day for lovers to commemorate their treasured sentiments, their unbreakable tie, and their beautiful moments together, even though each of these days has great significance of its own. On this particular day, couples spend time together, arranging surprises, going on dinner dates, making romantic presents and more. Therefore, if you’d want to know more about Valentine’s Day read on to find out about its origins meaning and the reasons behind its celebration on February 14.
The history of Valentine’s Day is multifaceted. The most widely accepted myth however, is that Valentine’s Day was inspired by the mid-February Roman celebration of Lupercalia. It was observed around the beginning of spring, and a lottery was used to match ladies and men. Pope Gelasius I instituted St. Valentine’s Day in place of this celebration. From around the 14th century it was observed as the day of romance for a considerable amount of time.
Journalist Shafik Rehman even christened the roadway in front of his Tejgaon, Dhaka office “Love Lane” in an effort to spread awareness of Valentine’s Day in Bangladesh. Rehman was compelled to live in exile in London for his literary works between 1986 and 1992. It was there that he initially saw the Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day began to be widely observed in London in the 1990s. Even though the occasion had been heavily commercialized by then the lovers present gave the day their all.
Rehman began his endeavors to popularise Valentine’s Day in 1993 after coming home on Valentine’s Day and joined Jaijaidin. He thought that we needed a specific day that honors love.
Aside from cultural and religious objections there is political conflict surrounding this day. Anti-Autocracy Day was commemorated on February 14 in Bangladesh prior to Valentine’s Day celebrations.
On February 14, 1983 students marched towards the Secretariat to present a memorandum as part of a campaign against the then-autocratic government’s education policies. Ten persons were slain by police shooting during the parade. Unfortunately, Valentine’s Day has become less relevant politically due to its increasing popularity.
Remember those who approach Valentine’s Day with broken hearts and scorched ground while you rejoice with your special someone.
