What is Valentin’s Day
Valentine’s Day is a celebration typically observed by significant others on February 14th of every year. It is often associated with the exchange of cards, candy, and other gifts such as roses and dinner at a restaurant. While it is commonly accepted that the holiday originated from the Christian Saint Valentine and his beloved martyrdom for refusing to renounce his Christian faith, the celebration of Valentine’s Day has evolved in modern times to include couples of all backgrounds and religions.
Christian Origin Story
The early celebration of Valentine’s Day had its roots in Christianity, beginning in the third century when Emperor Claudius II had outlawed the practice of marriage, believing it impeded the enlistment of men as soldiers. It was said that an early Christian priest named Valentine went against this law and secretly performed marriages, gaining him notoriety with the Emperor and leading to his eventual imprisonment and execution. The holiday is said to be derived from his martyrdom and to commemorate it, while others believe the day takes its origin from the Roman pagan celebration of Lupercalia, a festival of fertility and renewal observed by Romans each spring until the 5th century.
Valentine’s Day Traditions
Throughout its history, the ways in which Valentine’s Day has been celebrated have shifted, with modern-day traditions such as sending cards or flowers and participating in candle-lit dinners. These have been adopted and adapted by couples of all belief systems. Theologians agree that what binds Valentine’s Day to Christianity is lost in translation, with the true meaning behind the celebration often being forgotten by those taking part.
Valentine’s Day in Christianity
The interpretation of the celebration of Valentine’s Day within Christianity is split, with different denominations expressing varying opinions. The Roman Catholic Church has recognized it as a feast day with a prayer in its Book of Common Prayer as recently as the 19th century. On the other hand, some Protestant denominations do not practice any traditional form of Valentine’s Day observance, and even consider it to be “pagan”. Some contemporary theologians suggest that while the holiday has meaning to believers, it has been commercialized to a degree where it is no longer a celebration with religious significance.
Valentine’s Day and Christianity Today
In modern times, many couples who identify as Christian make their own interpretations of Valentine’s Day, combining their personal values with the traditional observation of the holiday. For example, one might exchange cards but forgo expensive dinners or extravagant gifts. Others might use the holiday as a time to visit a place of worship instead of a restaurant.
Criticism of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day often receives criticism from those within the Christian faith. Many skeptics argue that it is a secular observance divorced from its roots in Christianity, used more as a “Hallmark holiday” than a meaningful commemoration of St. Valentine. Others suggest that it is a distraction from more important days in the Christian calendar, such as Easter or Christmas.
Theologians Perspective
Theologians often cite the lack of Bible passages regarding any form of Valentine’s Day observance as a sign that it is not in line with Christian traditions. Some argue that it has become a symbol of consumerism and lust rather than a tribute to saint or a day of romantic love, a belief supposedly supported by the words of Saint Paul which state, “love does not seek its own ends”.
Exploring Family Traditions
Couples who do choose to observe the day often find ways to incorporate it into their family’s religious ceremony. For example, instead of exchanging romantic gifts, couples may choose to focus on the sentiment of love by expressing their faith in or blessing family members or friends. Furthermore, Christian couples may also find it meaningful to take the time to be in service to those who are suffering in their community by giving back on Valentines Day.
Modern Interpretations and Celebrations
Various Christian organizations across the world are working to reinterpret the holiday and bring it back in line with traditional values. Programs provide couples with the opportunity to come together and discuss the deeper meaning of love from a faith perspective, and teach their members the importance of celebrating it along with other established Christian holy days.
Social Media Influence
Social media and the internet have also been instrumental in promoting new ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day among the Christian community. Organizers often use these platforms to share stories and promote activities such as prayer and other forms of worship, with the hopes of restoring the original values and purpose of the holiday.
Public Opinion
Public opinion on the role Valentine’s Day plays in Christianity is varied and changes depending on which generation is being asked. While some support its use as a celebration of Christian values, others believe that its secular commercialization has skewed the true message of love and faith and instead suggest that more religious holidays such as Christmas should be celebrated and made more relevant to Christians.
Impact On Society
It is uncertain what the future holds for Valentine’s Day within the Christian belief system. Some theologians contend that the reinterpretation of the holiday through modern means and media has created a disconnection from that which made it special and meaningful to some believers. Others argue that the impact of Valentine’s Day on society has done more good than harm, citing the charity and volunteer work often done in its name as an example.
