VALENTINE'S DAY: LOOKING AT IT MORE DEEPLY

February 14th... a very special day. Love is in the air and presents are exchanged. Valentine gifts come in many forms but  the usual stuff given and received are...

A LOVELY BOUQUET OF FLOWERS

A CUDDLY TEDDY BEAR

AN EXPENSIVE BOTTLE OF PERFUME

A PRETTY GREETING CARD

A ROMANTIC CANDLELIT DINNER FOR TWO 

A yummy Box of CHOCOLATES

While Valentine's day is neither an official public holiday nor a religious holiday, it's pretty much a huge made a big deal of in most countries and commercialized to the full! If you step into most supermarkets here in Nigeria right now, you would find greeting cards, fake but scented roses, chocolate bonbons and teddy bears on the stands and people buying them for their 'valentines'.Who doesn't like receiving a very thoughtful gift or gesture, after all. But is that what Valentines' Day is all about, just exchange of gifts and feeling extra romantic? NO.

If one traces Valentine's day to its origins, it would be clearly that it's far more than that. Love comes in many forms; a gesture, loving words, a direct expression. And it's not  limited to couples exchanging gifts. Children can express love and appreciation to their parents and vice versa. Friends can show how their friendship is important, which would further deepen it. 

 In my opinion, its more like a day of expressing and showing universal love. Giving a present is a lovely addition but should not just be about giving presents or spending money. How about doing something nice for a loved one, or a kind deed  and that gesture of kindness may be passed on to someone else that day. 

We  must remember how precious life is and how the people in our lives are very important. In some cases, a present can be given merely to keep up tradition. What really comes from the heart and given because the giver wants to and not expected to is the real gift that anyone can receive. And the real message of Valentine is giving Love, Friendship and Hope.  

So... Happy Valentine's day everybody.

Click on link- THE STORY OF VALENTINE'S DAY