Valentine’s Day often carries the perception that it is a day reserved for lovers—couples exchanging roses, chocolates, and romantic gestures. But at its core, this day is about love in all its beautiful forms.
It is a celebration of the human capacity to care, to nurture, and to connect with one another. Love is not just romantic; it exists in friendships, in family, in community, and in the kindness we extend to strangers.
This day traces its origins to Saint Valentine, a figure shrouded in legend. Some believe he was a Roman priest who secretly married soldiers forbidden to wed, defying the emperor’s orders in the name of love. Others say he was a healer who brought hope to the sick.
Over time, Valentine’s Day evolved into a commercialized occasion centered on romance, but its true essence remains the same—love, in all its selfless and transformative power.
Love is the foundation of humanity. It is found in a mother’s embrace, in a friend’s comforting words, in a sibling’s unwavering support. It is present in the neighbor who checks in on you, in the teacher who believes in a struggling student, in the stranger who smiles at you on a difficult day.
Valentine’s Day should be a reminder that love is not limited to grand romantic gestures but is also woven into the everyday acts of kindness that make life meaningful.
(Ok I just had to add this song, because it's one of my favourites)
As we celebrate today, let us extend love beyond romantic relationships. Let us call a friend we haven’t spoken to in a while. Let us tell our parents, our children, our siblings that we love them. Let us show gratitude to those who support and uplift us.
If there is someone struggling, let us remind them they are not alone. Love is a force that heals, restores, and unites.
In a world filled with division, pain, and uncertainty, we need love now more than ever. Let Valentine’s Day be a day of inclusion, a day where no one feels left out.
Whether you are single, married, or in between, today is for you. Love is for all of us.
Happy Valentine’s Day bangani. May your heart be full, and may you always know that you are loved.
Your friend, Zintle.
