Its a global celebration, yet, in many quarters— a forced, oblique social transaction. One would wonder if the recipe for love is all in Valentine’s.
As millions around the world mark Valentine’s Day on February 14, the annual celebration of love continues to spark conversations about its significance, origins, and place in modern relationships.
The day honours Saint Valentine, a third-century Roman priest who secretly performed weddings for couples despite Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage. His defiance, driven by compassion and belief in love, led to his arrest and execution on February 14, 270 AD. Today, that legacy has evolved into a global phenomenon marked by gifts, outings, and expressions of affection.
For many, especially ladies, gifts received on Valentine’s Day are seen as a symbol of their partner’s love, a sentiment some now regard as cliché. But the question persists: Is Valentine’s Day a must among lovers or couples?
Daniel Adebayo believes the day is important but not compulsory. According to him, love should be shown daily and not restricted to one date on the Nigerian calendar.
Adebayo’s view reflects a growing sentiment among those who argue that genuine affection cannot be measured by a single day’s gestures.
Religious leaders, however, urge caution. Pastor Peter Adeniran noted that while celebrating Valentine’s Day is not a sin, it remains a secular observance that, if not properly guided, could mislead young people into wrong interpretations and actions.
Echoing similar concerns, Emmanuel Adepeju reflected on the historical roots of the celebration. He said it is good to remember someone who died defending the institution of marriage, but emphasized that the day should not be reduced to the celebration of sexuality.
As Nigerians join the rest of the world to mark Valentine’s Day today, elders and faith leaders have called for restraint and reflection. They urge adherents to look beyond the fanfare and ensure that the emotions of love are expressed consistently, not confined to February 14 alone.
