Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Lifestyle Senior Writer
TODAY is a special day for lovebirds as they mark Valentine’s Day.
Traditionally, the streets, homes, fan parks and watering holes are adorned with red roses, symbolising love and affection.
This time of year is known for rekindling romance, as couples seek to reignite the spark in their relationships.
Those facing challenges in their partnerships often use this occasion to mend their affairs and strengthen their bonds.
For the unlucky in love, Valentine’s Day serves as a perfect opportunity for self-introspection, prompting them to identify what might be hindering their romantic pursuits.
New couples, on the other hand, seize this occasion to express their love and showcase their blossoming relationships.
However, we must be vigilant to avoid a ‘‘bloody Valentine’s Day,’’ one marred by domestic violence, infidelity, or other troubling behaviours that should never be accepted.
Instead, let’s choose to celebrate love in its purest form.
This year, let us extend the spirit of Valentine’s Day beyond just February 14th.
We should take the time to appreciate every neighbour we encounter in life. Love should not only be reserved for romantic partners but should also embrace the kindness and compassion we show to one another as members of a broader community.
For a change this year’s Valentine’s Day should be more than just a day for lovers but rather a reminder of the importance of love, appreciation and community.
As we celebrate this occasion, let us reflect on our relationships, strive for harmony, and cultivate a kinder world for everyone.
Top influencers interviewed by The Herald on Saturday Lifestyle noted that Valentine’s Day serves as a genuine reminder to also love our parents. Biblically, the scriptures insist that we should embrace love and strive to make the world a better place. This sentiment should be celebrated on Valentine’s Day and beyond.
However, most of the experts who spoke to this publication remarked that Valentine’s Day is often viewed as a marketing gimmick used by the business community to capitalise on lovebirds and would-be lovebirds.
According to Thomas Fakero, a florist operating at Africa Unit Square in Harare, he firmly believes that Valentine’s Day is special as it creates business opportunities.
Thomas Fakero
“For us, Valentine’s Day is an occasion that should never be missed by couples, as it provides business opportunities for some of us,” he shared.
“I have been in this business since 1989 and have mastered the art of designing flowers that carry special meaning for people. We don’t only design flowers for Valentine’s Day but for all events like funerals, engagement parties, and anniversaries. However, this weekend, we are focusing on Valentine’s Day, and we are seeing serious business here. I am happy that I have enough stock to last the whole month.”
Fakero’s colleague, Bruce Maunganire, was all smiles as he was already cashing in on his flowers on Thursday, before Valentine’s Day. “Some early birds have already paid us for their flowers before prices could go up. This alone proves to us that people still cherish this special day. We are simply capitalising on the demand, and I wish it could happen every month,” chuckled Maunganire jokingly.
He added: “On a serious note, we have everything here, and we are happy when couples love each other. We are here to ensure that they find happiness in their marriages, and I will continue to play my part by designing flowers they will forever cherish. We aim to help couples keep loving each other and nourish their relationships.”
Some couples enjoy dinner on Valentine’s Day.
Melody Ncube, a boutique owner at LongCheng Plaza in Belvedere, Harare, noted that Valentine’s Day is a special occasion for couples to show each other love.
“To be honest with you, if I don’t receive my present on Valentine’s Day, it will always end in tears,” she said.
“My man knows this pretty well, and I am going to remember this day in the most special way possible.
“I simply respect this day, which means a lot to some of us, and I will celebrate it in a unique way. Personally, I will celebrate with a special dinner after closing my shops here, which have all the Valentine’s Day accessories you might dream of. We have everything here ranging from teddy bears, flowers, hampers, lingerie, nightwear, and everything romantic for all the couples out there.”
Social commentator, playwright, and filmmaker, Aaron Chiundura-Moyo, stressed that he doesn’t believe in Valentine’s Day. “To be honest with you, I don’t believe in this occasion since I come from an older generation,” he pointed out. “Only kids should be at the forefront celebrating this day, and I won’t be celebrating this occasion which was created by Westerners to make money.
“Shop owners worldwide are simply cashing in on this day because some people are obsessed with foreign cultures,” he emphasised.
Chiundura-Moyo, who made it clear that Valentine’s Day is for younger generations, continued, “I know people will be exchanging gifts, but I wish they would observe this on a daily basis to save relationships.
“However, I don’t have a problem with those who believe in it, but we should be cautious when borrowing foreign cultures that we don’t fully understand. People have the right to make their own choices, and I don’t have the power to stop them or stand in their way since they believe in these foreign cultures started by business-minded people.”
Chocolates are also a must this Valentine’s.
Similar sentiments were echoed by fellow filmmaker Charles Kapfupi, better known as Mr Wakanaka from the country’s first-ever soap, Studio 263.
“Growing up, these things used to be observed, and for me and some people from my generation, Valentine’s Day is as good as Christmas Day. It’s simply a marketing gimmick the business world is using to cash in on people, just like Black Friday.
“I know some people are obsessed with it, but in my case, I don’t believe in it at all. I just believe in genuine love where I don’t need to be reminded to love through such events,” asserted Kapfupi.
Rutendo Jackie, a Mutare-based Afropop diva, also shared her thoughts on Valentine’s Day. “I don’t believe in Valentine’s Day at all,” she stated. “I have never believed in this day because genuine love does not need to be expressed on a special occasion. I believe couples should love each other every day and not wait for this day.
“Of course, I don’t have a problem with those who believe in it, but for me, it is a big NO. This is my own view about Valentine’s Day, which will be marked on Saturday.”
Valentine’s Day originated from a blend of ancient Roman fertility rituals (Lupercalia) and Christian martyrdom, evolving from a sombre religious feast into a romantic celebration. Pope Gelasius I established the feast on February 14th around 496 A.D. to honor St. Valentine, a 3rd-century martyr often associated with forbidden love.
Since then, it has become a special day for lovebirds globally to express their affection.
Locally, we have also embraced it, even though some don’t believe in the day. Business-wise, it is a special occasion for both entrepreneurs in the informal and formal sectors.
Love proposals are either accepted or turned down on this special occasion.
With locals divided on this topic, we can only allow those who believe in it to mark the occasion in their own special way. No one is being forced to celebrate this day, and true love should prevail all the time. Happy Valentine’s Day!
