By PROUT
Valentine’s Day, celebrated globally on February 14, honors love, affection, and romance, blending ancient Roman and Christian traditions.
The modern celebration is linked to St. Valentine, a Christian martyr who lived in Rome during the 3rd century AD. There are various legends about St. Valentine, but the most popular story describes him as a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage for young men. Claudius II believed single men made better soldiers, and St. Valentine defied the emperor by performing secret marriages.
Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many countries, with people showing appreciation for their loved ones through various gestures.
Filipinos uniquely fuse Western influences with local culture.
Some Positive Aspects:
1. Expressing ‘pag-ibig’ (Love) and ‘pagmamahal’ (Affection) that strengthens familial bonds and friendships;
2. Social bonding that encourages ‘bayanihan’ (community spirit) through group celebrations; and
3. Economic boost that supports local businesses, especially floristry and hospitality.
Some Distinctly Filipino Celebrations:
1. Harana (Serenading): Men sing love songs outside their beloved’s windows;
2. Kundiman and Original Pilipino Music (OPM) love songs: Expressing heartfelt emotions;
3. Pamilya-centered celebrations: Family gatherings, feasts and gift-giving; and
4. Mass weddings and renewal of vows.
Some Negative Aspects:
1. Commercialization that overemphasizes material gifts;
2. Exclusionary effect that marginalizes singles, divorced; or grieving individuals; and
3. Unrealistic expectations that create pressure.
PROUT emphasizes holistic development and would like to see Valentine’s Day more as a celebration of spiritual love rather than just romantic love with material expression, an inclusive celebration that promotes collective well-being, and a celebration of genuine happiness that stems from self-realization.
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