Beyond Valentine’s Day …. Saira Samo
Valentine’s Day, celebrated annually on February 14th, has evolved into a global celebration of love and affection. While the modern-day observance involves the exchange of gifts, flowers and romantic gestures, the origins of this romantic holiday are shrouded in historical mystery.
One commonly accepted origin story traces Valentine’s Day back to the life of a Christian saint named Valentine, who lived during the Roman Empire in the 3rd century. The most popular account suggests that Valentine, a Roman priest, defied Emperor Claudius II’s decree banning marriages for young men. Claudius believed that single men made better soldiers, but Valentine continued to perform marriages in secret. When his actions were discovered, he was arrested and later executed on February 14th, around the year 269 AD.
According to legend, while imprisoned, Valentine sent a letter to a young girl he had fallen in love with, signing it “from your Valentine”. This expression is believed to be the precursor to the modern-day tradition of sending Valentine’s Day cards.
In the medieval period, Geoffrey Chaucer, the English poet, played a significant role in associating Valentine’s Day with romantic love. In his poem, Parlement of Foules (Parliament of Fowls), written in the 14th century, Chaucer links the feast of St Valentine with the mating season of birds. He suggests that birds choose their mates on Valentine’s Day, a concept that contributed to the association of the day with romantic love.
The notion of courtly love, a medieval European literary conception of love emphasising nobility and chivalry, further fueled the romanticisation of Valentine’s Day. This cultural phenomenon influenced the exchange of love notes and tokens of affection among the upper classes, establishing a tradition that endured over the centuries.
The exchange of handwritten love notes gained popularity in the 18th century; and by the 19th century, the practice evolved into the mass production of Valentine’s Day cards. Esther A Howland, known as the Mother of the American Valentine, began selling the first mass-produced valentines in the 1840s. This marked the beginning of the commercialisation of Valentine’s Day, transforming it into the widely celebrated occasion it is today.
Similarly, as we read our history, our literature unfolds a wealth of noble and authentic love stories. The love depicted in these narratives is immersed in purity and respect, flavours with various tastes. These love characters are prominently present in our regions of Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan. While the world celebrates Valentine’s Day, there’s a unique charm in embracing our local love traditions within our communities.
In the cultural mosaic of Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Kashmir, echoes of love echo through stories that embody the universal theme of affection. Instead of solely adopting the global celebration of Valentine’s Day, there’s a compelling invitation to honour our own folk characters — embodiments of piety, modesty and genuine, platonic affection.
These regional tales often portray characters whose love goes beyond the ordinary, embodying virtues of sincerity and devotion. Whether it’s the enduring love between Sassi and Punnun in Sindh, Heer and Ranjha in Punjab, Sher-Miran in Balochistan, or the touching tales from the valleys of Kashmir, these narratives speak to a deeper, more profound connection.
It is time that we celebrated our historical folk characters. In doing so, we not only embrace our cultural heritage but also elevate stories that unveil values of purity and authentic affection. By carving out a unique space for our local narratives, we provide a celebration that aligns with the essence of piety and platonic love, connecting us to our roots in a meaningful and authentic way.
In the spirit of unity and cultural pride, let us take a moment to appreciate the love stories that have been woven into the very soil we tread upon. This is not just a celebration of love; it’s a celebration of who we are, where we come from, and the timeless tales that make us a part of something truly extraordinary.
Courtesy The Express Tribune, February 13th, 2024.