Secular ceremonial officiant Center Val de Loire Region
31 décembre 2018
Séverine, secular wedding officiant in Brittany
July 14, 2019
Saying YES to Valentine’s Day
Dear lovers,
As Valentine's Day approaches, no one can escape the comments of those who reject it, claiming it's "just a commercial holiday rather than a truly romantic one." Others assert that a romantic gesture, or even a marriage proposal, has the same meaning regardless of the date. Finally, those opposed to Valentine's Day point out that it's a relatively recent holiday, much like Black Friday, whose sole purpose is to allow retailers to inflate prices!
The true origin of this holiday is documented in 14th - century Great Britain, was still Catholic at the time. Valentine's Day, February 14th, was celebrated as a lovers' festival because it was believed that birds chose this day to find a mate. Valentine's Day has therefore existed for over 600 years, and Saint Valentine of Terni, whose feast day is February 14th, is designated by the Catholic Church as the patron saint of lovers. Pope Alexander VI bestowed upon him the title of "patron saint of lovers" in 1496.
Regarding the commercial impact of the event, one cannot deny that businesses take advantage of the opportunity to increase their prices, but how can one blame them when one observes that, for example, French florists make on Valentine's Day the turnover they would usually make in a week, with roses representing 80% of sales.
That said, who says impressing your soulmate necessarily involves a fancy restaurant, a bouquet of 50 roses, and an outrageously expensive gift? Why not simply do some grocery shopping to prepare a simple dinner, complete with candles, romantic music, a handmade gift, and a poem tucked into the napkin?
In short, if you're a romantic and have decided to propose tonight, go for it! Do we celebrate Christmas on December 26th? New Year's on January 2nd? Do we visit our mothers a week after Mother's Day because flowers are cheaper? Like other events, Valentine's Day is a symbol, a time when everyone, whether they admit it or not, has a special thought for their loved one. As a secular wedding officiant for almost 10 years, I can't help but think that even the least romantic among us are also swept up in the positive energy of love and secretly hope to receive a text message, find a sweet note in their pocket, or discover a card under their pillow.
Life is made up of small and great joys. Valentine's Day is one of those little moments of happiness, of communion with the other, of complicity, of dialogue, of that day which breaks the routine and encourages us to refocus on the person with whom we have shared our life for 2 days, 2 months, 2 years, 20 years.
So happy holidays to all lovers, whether they are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary or preparing to say "I do," and for those who lack inspiration for a small token of affection, take a look at the article about us on ZANKYOU .
See you soon !
