“SAINT VALENTINE DAY”, IS IT TRUE OR IS IT A JUST A COMMERCIAL CLAIM?
- Saint Valentine is a holiday celebrated on February 14 and has been associated with romantic love and relationships. Its true nature and origin have generated debate, and several aspects can be considered to understand whether it is a “just a commercial claim” or if it has a deeper meaning.
I. Historical Origin
- Saint Valentine as a religious figure:
Saint Valentine was a priest who, according to legend, was martyred for having secretly celebrated marriages during a time when the Roman Emperor Claudius II prohibited marriages of young people. This story gave him a connotation of love, commitment and sacrifice.
- Ancient Holiday
The holiday of St. Valentine appeared on the liturgical calendar around the 5th century, and over time evolved into a popular celebration of romantic love.
II. Commercial Aspect
- Commercialization of the Holiday:
In recent years, Valentine’s Day has evolved primarily into a commercial event. Companies devote large amounts of resources to selling gifts such as flowers, chocolates, jewelry, and other items that are intended to symbolize love.
- Social Pressure:
The media and advertising have contributed to creating an expectation around the holiday, with the idea that couples should give gifts or organize special events to demonstrate their love, which can generate feelings of pressure and consumerism.
III. Cultural Perspectives
- Positive Interpretations:
Some people consider Valentine’s Day to be an opportunity to celebrate love and relationships, regardless of the commercial aspects. For many people, it is a time to express affection and connection with loved ones.
- Criticism of commercialization:
Others see the holiday as a commercial claim that has denatured its original meaning. Criticisms emphasize the need to value authentic relationships beyond material gifts.
IV. Conclusion
- Valentine’s Day can be considered both a celebration of love with historical and original roots and a highly commercialized event. Its perception depends on each person’s perspective: for some it is an opportunity to celebrate and express feelings, while for others it is a form of consumerism that has deviated from its essence. Both positions are a claim for one’s own conscience, and each person is free to find out, value and give it the meaning that he or she considers most appropriate.
JGA