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SUNDAY is known to be a spiritual day and many Christians reserve it as a day of prayer and worship, but today there is bound to be a different vibe.
The most anticipated day of the month, St Valentine’s Day, is upon us – with chocolates, red roses and all sorts of romantic antics set to be the order of the day.
With loved ones showing their appreciation for each other by exchanging gifts and engaging in all manner of fancy activities, the atmosphere will definitely be electric, at least for those who take the celebrations seriously.
In Zimbabwe, men usually spoil their loved ones one way or the other on Valentine’s but since 2016 is a leap year, tables might just turn, with the ladies expected to be in the forefront of spoiling their partners.
This has, however, been a subject of debate, with divergent views being proffered.
A quick search on the World Wide Web reveals that every four years, an extra day is added as the calendar resynchronises with the seasonal year. This extra day is added in the month of February and the particular year is called a leap year.
The leap year brings with it different myths and traditions and among these is a centuries-old custom, normally observed by the British and Irish, which allows women to propose marriage throughout the year.
Traditionally, women do not make marriage proposals.
However, if the leap year tradition is anything to go by, women can do so this year.
While the Irish believe that February 29 is the perfect day for women to propose to their partners, in other parts of the world, February 14 is the day.
Marriage proposals are usually accompanied with gifts, and this is the reason why there is now a popular belief that women should shower their men with gifts on Valentine’s Day during a leap year.
The Sunday Mail Leisure spoke to several individuals about the subject.
Some sections believe that affection should be shown by both parties through gifts and treats every year. Tristan Mohamed, a student at a local college, believes that both parties should play a part in making the day special.
“I think the task of spoiling a loved one should not be one person’s responsibility. If I am to buy a present for my girlfriend or take her out, I also expect something in return.
“I understand that the ladies are supposed to be treating us this year but even if I receive a gift, I am still going to do something for her,” said Mohamed.
Several conversations with different women revealed that most are not well versed with the leap year myths and have remained adamant that they expect their men to spoil them today.
“Leap year or no leap year, he is supposed to do something special for me on Valentine’s. I am going to get him something if I feel like it but it should not be an obligation, hatingambodi kuvajaidza tichiti leap year,” said one young woman only identified as Nyasha.
On the other hand, some men are expecting gifts and showers of love from their other halves. Dumisani Pilime, a business consultant, said he was not buying anything this year as his loved one should spoil him.
“Since we are in a leap year, I am expecting to be pampered because we are the ones who are always treating the ladies,” he said.
These past few weeks, social media, which is now the major influence behind most trends, has been buzzing with jokes and memes about Valentine’s. It remains to be seen if some of the sentiments will come to pass by the end of the day.
Spirituality has also come into play with some people saying that celebrating Valentine’s on their day of worship (Sunday) will be a major destruction to their connection with God.
Valentine’s Day is said to have begun with St Valentine, a priest in Rome during the time of Emperor Claudius II.
When Claudius found that men were not volunteering to join his military as they did not want to leave their wives or families, he outlawed marriages and engagements in order to get more soldiers to join the army.
However, St Valentine disagreed with the Emperor’s cruel law and continued to secretly marry couples. He was eventually apprehended, jailed and sentenced to death on February 14th 269AD.
While in jail, he befriended the prison guard’s blind daughter, who, being a strong supporter of his values and beliefs, spent much time talking with him in his cell. It is said that his love and admiration for her, and his strong faith, actually healed her blindness.
Before his execution, Saint Valentine left her a farewell note thanking her for her loyalty, support and friendship.
The note said, “Love from your Valentine”, which is thought to be the origination of the exchange of Valentine’s messages.
St Valentine is now the patron saint of lovers. Valentine’s Day has become a day to celebrate love, exchange love messages and gifts.
Some of the most recognisable objects and symbols that are associated with the day include the colour red, heart shaped objects, cupids, red roses and chocolates, among other things.
On the day, most couples go to the movies, enjoy candlelight dinner or lunch at special restaurants, go for picnic. Some will have an intimate evening at home while others embark on surprise getaways.
Although Valentine’s Day is only associated with lovers, single people can also get to shower the people they care about with gifts. There is nothing wrong with spoiling your friends or family members today.
Online Reporter