Sundaymail Editor
Society Reporter
VALENTINE’S Day, which will be celebrated around the world on Tuesday, brings with it plenty of expectations.
It is often a day that both singles and couples look forward to, as they usually pamper each other with flowers, chocolates and fine food, among other material items.
This year, the merrymaking, which had been put on ice in the past two years because of Covid-19, is set to resume.
The day, which is characterised by a lot of expectation, sometimes brings forth unanticipated outcomes.
Some people will be disappointed for getting little or nothing after expecting a lot.
Others question if Valentine’s Day, an imported tradition, is worth celebrating in this part of the world.
“Valentine’s Day is just an obligation based on an imported ideology. The love our local people are accustomed to is that of men being the everyday provider and women being the caregivers, so having another special effort and date to show love seems awkward and alien,” argues Chief Chundu, born Abel Mbasera.
Saint Valentine’s Day, or simply Valentine’s Day, is celebrated on February 14.
It is believed the day was named after a martyr of the early Christian era named Valentine or Valentinus, who lived sometime in the 3rd century CE and was killed for defying oppressive laws directed either against Christians or young lovers in the Roman Empire.
Although it is considered a commemorative Christian feast by some, others opine it is just a secular tradition meant to celebrate love and affection.
Social commentator Dr Rebecca Chisamba feels love should be celebrated all the time.
“True lovers express and enjoy love every day. You should consider each day your Valentine’s Day. Gone are the days of having love gifts on that day only,” Dr Chisamba said.
“Getting a present or being taken out for dinner on a certain day does not mean anything since that should be done on a daily basis. We see some considering Valentine’s as a day to get a small house or Ben 10, and do all sorts of mischief.”
Some even dread the day for giving them the burden of unnecessarily spending on gifts.
Methodist Church in Zimbabwe region minister Reverend Nomore Marara said love should be driven by a genuine feeling of affection, and not by historical myths.
“If today we were to take gifts as a measure of love, do you think we would have people getting divorced? There are people who are given gifts like cars and houses but these are the same people who also spend fortunes on lawyers to divorce,” said Rev Marara.
For Takudzwa Gwinyai, who prides himself as a hopeless romantic, the best he will do this year will be to post a photo of his girlfriend Sharon on social media and be poetic about it.
For some couples, presents will naturally change hands.
Cashing in on the day
But there is a general feeling that Valentine’s Day has been hijacked by corporates hell-bent on making money from lovers.
Romantic dinners, parties, gifts and expensive clothes – usually red and white – have been popularised as a result.
In the United States, people spent close to US$10 billion on candy, cards, flowers and other mementoes marking the occasion in 2020, according to the country’s National Retail Federation.
In Zimbabwe, street vendors also cash in on the day, as they often stock either synthetic or fresh roses for the occasion.
“The signs are already showing. People seem to be excited about the freedom they now have following the lifting of coronavirus-induced lockdowns,” said a highly expectant Josephine Mungidza, one of the florists based in the capital.
“I am ready and will make sure enough stock is available for the day. I know people are in love and they usually do not negotiate much on Valentine’s Day.”
Clubs and restaurants will also be hosting love-themed events.
Celebrations
Both believers of Valentine’s Day and non-believers have different plans lined up for Tuesday.
Dendera musician Sulumani “Sulu” Chimbetu is expected to release new music on the day.
“We have a Valentine’s Day gift for our fans. They must brace up for dynamite coming their way,” said Sulu.
Ms Patricia Kabili, a baker, said there has been an increase in cake orders in the past few days.
“Valentine’s Day has come to my rescue. January was not an easy month for me but this week (last week), I have been receiving calls and down payments for cakes to be delivered on February 14.
“Last year, the pandemic affected our business as movement was restricted,” she said.
Mrs Fadzayi Mutazo, who runs a local stationery shop, feels personalised items are a sure path into people’s hearts.
“Apart from selling Valentine’s cards, we will also be selling personalised items for lovers this time around. Personalised items are sentimental. We are selling soccer team jerseys, T-shirts, caps and so on. In addition, we are branding utensils and several other items.”
One thing is certain: There is definitely going to be something for everyone on Tuesday.
Online Reporter