I remember how we waited eagerly for every 14th of February every year, then in secondary school. Valentine period was a time to make at least a new friend, get gifts, experience attention and pampering, get surprises and most of all feel loved.
A week to valentine, everybody’s name would have been written and wrapped up in small pieces of paper for each person to pick. We were to keep the names we chose to ourselves for a week. What happened within that one week was what each person looked forward to! The whole idea was to make this person- your Val- feel loved without disclosing your identity.
You could come back from class to meet your bed space neatly arranged, your keg of water filled and a gift under you pillow, you could get to your duty post in the morning for your early morning chores just to realize an anonymous person already did it for you, Your val eavesdrop to know exactly what you need and when you need it and guess what? you have it just when you need it, You could even be surprised with a double portion of food at meal times depending on who your Val is (you can imagine if you have the house or refectory prefect as your invincible Val!) . . . This goes on for a week until the 14th of February. The Valentines turns out to be the day of revelation! A day to know who that sweet and wonderful person is, this day is usually characterized by surprises (The person you least expected could be your Val!) Exchange of gifts was another thing that characterized the Valentine day as each person revealed herself with a gift. Usually, it was a season many students do not forget in a hurry, even as I write I cannot but smile at some wonderful memories of St. Valentines day!!!
Well. . . That was valentine as I knew it to be and for a long time after school I missed valentine being celebrated that way. I came to understand it meant something entirely different to the outside world. What it means to them really is not my concern for today, but my opinion is this; if valentine is truly all about LOVE, such that one whole day is dedicated for it’s celebration, then I think each of us should take it upon ourselves to put a smile on someone’s face at least for that day. That way, I believe Val’s day would be more meaningful!
4 comments:
funny but nice way to celebrate val, its of course far from what it is for the majority. Sorry, but Is valentine biblical? Just checking
if we all put the message of valentine to heart all year round, sure the world will be a better place.
the scriptures made no reference to valentine, but its theme, which is the celebration of love cannot be separated from the whole essence of our faith.
To love God, to love others and to love ourselves.
Anonymous,
Thanks for your comment. I totally agree with the response Shola gave. The question now is 'what is the ideal way to celebrate love'what do you think?
Shola,
Thanks for your contribution, i share the same opinion with you. Humm... Would it be asking for too much if i asked how you celebrated yours :)?
Well I see valentine as a Romeo and Juliet kind of love. And that is based on the origin. I think the kind of love displayed in the article is more of an agape/phileo kind of love, which I believe should be done all year round.
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