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Issue 00407 |
Feb 1 - 24, 2006 |
issn 0856 - 9135 |
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Off Topic |
| A World Where Marriage was Outlawed by lute wa lutengano This week the world went crazy again. According to Hallmark Research more than 192 cards were exchanged during the week, in the name of some mystical romantic legend - Saint Valentine. Millions of tons of flowers, candy and gifts were bought and exchanged between lovers around the world and millions of lips met in the name of kissing for the day of love – 14 February 2006. When I called my mother and told her about this holiday, she was, to say the least horrified. How could people in their right mind spend millions of shillings to mark a day of such a nature? She loudly wondered whether the world has not simply gone crazy. But that is a sign of the different worlds that we live in. But who is this Saint Valentine which the whole world goes bonkers for every 14th of February? According to legend the history of Saint Valentine's Day contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. Today, for example the Catholic Church recognises at least three saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men – his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realising the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl – who may have been his jailor's daughter – who visited him during confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed "From your Valentine," an expression that is still being used today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and most importantly, romantic figure. I am not sure if all those who joined millions of people throughout the world on the Saint Valentine's Day to exchange gifts, dance, eat and drink in the many establishments, which take advantage of the day to make big business, are aware of this romantic background to the day. I have a strong belief that many of us just take advantage of the day to overindulge ourselves on worldly luxuries. At least it is a day to recognise the power of love and appreciate it. Imagine a world without love. It must be the world of the Roman Claudius- a world where marriage was outlawed. Oh! What a horrible idea! See you next Valentine's day.
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Updated:
January 07, 2006 . |
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Webmaster: WDJMallya |
