Tomorrow, February 14, 2024, marks Valentine’s Day—a day dedicated to love. On this springtime day, the love in Bengali hearts also takes on a special, sacred meaning. Surrounded by the blooms of early spring, couples of all ages will celebrate their affection, spending time together. While Valentine’s Day has Western origins, the day now offers an opportunity for Bengali hearts to express love in diverse ways—not only between lovers, but also among parents, spouses, siblings, children, and friends. Exchanging gifts and tokens of affection is a key part of the celebration.
Across Dhaka and other cities, people will mark the day through various events, ceremonies, and leisurely outings. Attire in shades of red, blue, white, purple, and pink adds to the festive ambiance. Concerts and public gatherings will be organized in different parts of the capital. February, after all, is a season of blossoming and renewal: birds form pairs, buds emerge, and flowers bloom in full splendor. Typical gifts include chocolates, perfumes, greeting cards, jewelry, clothing, toys, and books. Even small gestures like a note tucked inside a blue envelope, a rose, or a piece of chocolate can carry heartfelt messages.
Origins of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14, honors expressions of love among couples, families, friends, and mentors. Although the holiday is now observed globally with elaborate festivities, it was once limited to Western societies. Historically, February 14 in ancient Rome was associated with the goddess Juno, revered as the protector of women and marriage.
Another account links the day to Saint Valentine, a Roman priest in the 3rd century CE. Emperor Claudius II had banned young men from marrying, believing unmarried men made better soldiers. Valentine defied this decree, secretly performing marriages for young couples. Arrested and executed on February 14, 269 CE (or 270 CE), Valentine’s courage and compassion became legendary. Before his death, he is said to have left a note for a blind girl he treated, signing it “From your Valentine.” His actions became a symbol of love and sacrifice, later formalized by Pope Gelasius in 496 CE as Valentine’s Day.
Some traditions also link February 14 to the mating season of birds, inspiring the association of the date with romantic union. Over centuries, the day evolved from a localized celebration in Rome to a globally recognized occasion for expressing love.
Five Misconceptions About Love
Love Conquers All: While love is powerful, it cannot solve all life’s challenges. Believing otherwise can create unrealistic expectations and disappointment.
Love Alone Sustains Life: Basic needs—food, water, shelter, health—must be met alongside emotional connection. True happiness requires balance.
True Love is Unconditional: Real love involves conditions such as timing, health, career, and mutual effort. Understanding these factors ensures relationships endure.
The Right Person Makes Everything Easy: Even with the right partner, relationships require effort, compromise, and resilience through challenges.
People Never Change: Every individual evolves over time. Recognizing and adapting to change is essential for sustaining a healthy relationship.
Today, Valentine’s Day enjoys widespread popularity. In Western countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, the holiday is celebrated with great enthusiasm, with billions of dollars spent annually on cards, flowers, chocolates, and gifts. In the U.S. alone, nearly 300 million greeting cards are exchanged on Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day, though originating centuries ago, now serves as a global celebration of love in all its forms—a day for expressing care, affection, and connection.
Author: Columnist and Researcher, Founder & Chairman, National Patient Welfare Society
Email: drmazed96@gmail.com
