Valentine’s Day takes place this week in the western world on February 14th, and it is important to understand the real meaning of the holiday and how it can influence people to make the world a better place for all of us.
A number of early martyrs in the second and third centuries A.D. were named Valentine and later honoured by the Catholic Church for the struggles they led against the oppression and injustices of the Roman Empire. In fact, Saint Valentine refers to the names of several of those martyrs, especially Valentine of Rome, who died in 269 AD, and Valentine of Terni, who died in AD 197.
February 14th is known more today for the celebration of romantic relationships, but should really be a day to recognize family and friends and how much their love means to us. For myself, I thank my parents and grandparents and my friends for being there for me, especially during challenging times.
But Valentine’s Day should also be a time when we reach out and show our love to others. An ancient Chinese proverb from Chapter Eight of the book, Making Change, says it all: “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. But if you want happiness for a lifetime, then help somebody.”
And who says this has to be for a family member or friend? Why can’t we share our love even with those who are complete strangers, especially those who are in need? There is no rule which says that Valentine’s Day has to be celebrated with those we already know.
This could mean holding an event, raising funds for a charity, or volunteering with a local organization, for example, that takes care of animals, cleans up the environment, or helps the homeless. And even more importantly, who says we have to love or care for others on only one day of the year? Why can’t we extend this for others every single day?
The roots of Valentine’s Day may lie in Europe, but really all people throughout the world want to live in a society where we love and care for each other, and especially help those who are suffering in times of need. It doesn’t matter where you come from, who you are, or what faith you practice. There is an abundance of need right now in the world today, and those who have the tools to help others must do so.
As legendary basketball coach John Wooden once said, “You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” That is what the Valentines did almost 2,000 years ago on behalf of their fellow citizens. Isn’t that what Valentine’s Day should be about?
Author: Bilal Rajan
