What Is Valentine's Day Really All About?

The celebration on February 14th, known as romantic Valentine’s Day, is second only to Christmas, in the sending of greeting cards. Approximately one billion valentine cards are sent every year, worldwide. Men generally spend more than double what women will on Saint Valentine’s Day. Going out for a meal, chocolates, cards, jewelry and flowers are the central theme for Valentine gifts.

What is this revealing about men? Is it just that they more romantic, or is the valentine card the result of a guilt trip, of something in the past, or some transgression in the future?

South Koreans Singaporeans and Chinese men spend more on Valentine’s Day, than any other nationality. In India there are fierce clashes between shop owners who sell Valentine related items and Shiv Sena die-hard, especially in Mumbai. Those found violating the ruling not to take part in the Valentine’s Day celebrations, are brutally beaten by baton-wielding brigands of Shiv Sens, a far right wing political party, who make it their task to hang out in public places, such as parks. They chase after any young people holding hands, or other suspected lovers. However, it is widely socially acceptable, for young Indian men to be seen holding hands publicly.

Due to the Saudi Arabia religious police claiming Valentine’s Day as un-Islamic, a black market of roses and wrapping paper has sprung up.

Legend says Valentine was a priest who refused to accept a law created by the Roman Emperor, Claudius II. It allegedly ordered all young men to remain with their single status. The Emperor wanted to overhaul his army. He firmly believed that married men did not make good soldiers. Valentine, however, secretly continued to perform marriage ceremonies for the young men. When the emperor found out what Valentine was up to, he ordered Valentine’s arrest and had him thrown into jail. The night before Valentine was killed, he composed the first valentine message, addressing it to a young girl who was simply identified as his beloved. It is said it was the daughter of the jailer, whom Valentine had befriended and healed. The Valentine note read, "From your beloved Valentine".