It’S Official: The Truth About Valentines Day

Second only to Christmas, in card sending, is the lovers’ celebration on February 14th, known as Valentine’s Day. There are around one billion valentine cards sent annually, worldwide. Men will spend more than double on this celebration, compared to women. Jewelry, dining out, cards, chocolates and flowers being the central thrust for Valentine gifts

What does that say about men? Is it they are more romantic, or is the valentine card a guilt trip, of some past, or future transgression?

South Koreans Singaporeans and Chinese men spend more on Valentine’s Day, than any other nationality. In India there are fierce clashes between shop owners who sell Valentine related items and Shiv Sena die-hards, especially in Mumbai. Those found violating the ruling not to take part in the Valentine’s Day celebrations, are brutally beaten by baton-weilding brigands of Shiv Sens, a far right wing political party, who make it their task to hang out in public places, such as parks. They chase after any young people holding hands, or other suspected lovers. However, it is widely socially acceptable, for young Indian men to be seen publically holding hands.

In Saudi Arabia the black market for roses and wrapping paper has flourished, owing to the fact that the religious police declare Valentine’s Day as un-Islamic.

Folklore says St Valentine was a priest, who wouldn’t accept a law, credited to the Roman Emperor, Claudius II. This law allegedly ordered that all young men remain unmarried. The Emperor wanted to make improvements to his army and thought that married men did not make the best soldier material. Valentine, however, continued to secretly marry the young men to the lady of their choice. When the emperor discovered this he had Valentine arrested and flung in prison. On the evening before Valentine was to be executed, he penned the first Valentine message, addressing it to a young girl identified as his beloved. Tradition says it was the jailer’s daughter whom Valentine had healed and made friends with. The Valentine note simply said, “From your beloved Valentine”.