February is the second month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars, with 28 days in common years and 29 days in leap years, with the quadrennial 29th day being called the leap day. February is a transitional month, and so February meaning and symbolism will have a transitional feel too. There is a change in the air this time of year, and we can see this manifested in certain festivals & holidays this month.
February is also called the Month of Love because Valentine’s Day falls under this Day. Valentine’s Day, or St Valentine’s Day, is celebrated every year on 14 February. It’s the day when people show their affection for another person or people by sending cards, flowers or chocolates with messages of love.
Story behind valentine’s Day
The day gets its name from a famous saint, but there are several stories of who he was. The popular belief about St Valentine is that he was a priest from Rome in the third century AD. Emperor Claudius II had banned marriage because he thought married men were bad soldiers. Valentine felt this was unfair, so he broke the rules and arranged marriages in secret. When Claudius found out, Valentine was thrown in jail and sentenced to death. There, he fell in love with the jailer’s daughter and when he was taken to be killed on 14 February, he sent her a love letter signed “From your Valentine”.
Valentines Week:
Valentine’s Day which is the most awaited day by lovers all over the world begins today. All the lovers are eagerly waiting for this day as this day gives them an official opportunity to express their love to their crush. Valentine’s Day which is on the 14th of February every year is led by a valentine’s week. Valentine’s week 2020 starts from 7th February. Valentine’s Day is the main event among the chain of events that occur from February 7th and lasts about a valentine week ending with the 14th Feb, Valentine’s Day. The Valentine week Days starts with Rose Day on 7th February than on February 8th it’s the Propose Day. Chocolate Day is celebrated on 9th February and the following day on 10th February is teddy day. Promise day is on 11th and Hug day on 12th of February respectively. The Kiss day is on the 13th of February and thereafter the main event that is Valentine’s Day is on 14th February. Every day has its own significance.
Trend in Nepal:
Valentine’s Day is called Prem Diwas or Pranaya Diwas in Nepali. People in Nepal started celebrating Valentine’s Day from late 90s. Before, Valentine’s Day used to be celebrated on western countries like US, UK and so on. But now the craze of this day has entered other countries of the world as well. Merely speaking, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Nepal too. It is a day to express their love to their loved ones. Valentine’s Day is not traditionally celebrated in Nepal but a growing number of youngsters have adopted this holiday as their own and traces of chocolate hearts, dinner & togetherness can be witnessed all around the capital. There are TV shows on Valentine’s Day, newspapers and magazines are filled with Valentine’s news and quotes. However, until now, Valentine’s Day in Nepal is recognized and celebrated only in cities and towns.
Valentine’s Day is very important for all the people as we have people we genuinely love and care in our life. It doesn’t have to be a couple. We can send valentines greetings to our family as well. This Valentine’s Day, let’s open up our heart and express our love.
- Saru Pyakurel
