What gifts would you give for Valentine?

February 14 was marked in the lithurgical calendar for Saint Valentinus who died a martyr in the act of showing love. He was jailed for conducting weddings for forbidden soldiers in the Roman Empire. Legend has it that he healed the daughter of his jailer, Asterius, while in prison. Before he was executed, he wrote […]

February 14 was marked in the lithurgical calendar for Saint Valentinus who died a martyr in the act of showing love. He was jailed for conducting weddings for forbidden soldiers in the Roman Empire. Legend has it that he healed the daughter of his jailer, Asterius, while in prison. Before he was executed, he wrote her a letter signed off with “Your Valentine.”
Perhaps to underscore the special fascination the day holds in the hearts of adherents, many religions, particularly some Christian bodies, set aside the day for relationship/marriage retreats with skills to spice up relationships.
Knowing what and how to share gives greater insight into the day. This is because beyond the fact that the day has become synonymous with gift sharing, dating and church activities, and is even work-free in some parts of the world, it also affords the opportunity for a quiet time and reflection on the nature of some relationships, many call it showing love by simply giving advice.
This intangible aspect of the celebration is what Andrew Goubadia, a public servant, believes is more important in a relationship.
“I am always busy from day to day, then a day suddenly comes with songs and talks of love, reminding me of what I have neglected, what is missing in my relationship. I will engage in a long discussion with my wife and we will encourage each other,” he said.
For Segun Ojumu, a journalist, couples should identify what their spouses like and present same as gift on the occasion. For instance, he says some wives like chocolates, while some husbands like good underwears, others prefer iPads and electrical gadgets.
“Both of us can go for a quiet evening out in a relaxation spot without the kids. One doesn’t necessarily have to wait for one day to give or show love,” he said.
Kelechi Chukwudi, a web designer, wondered why so much emphasis is placed on a single day rather than people imbibing ‘love’ as a daily attribute. She says gifts for a loved one need not necessary be expensive.
“For instance I can buy perfume for my husband, fabric for my mother and fabulous toys for my kids. For my friends and colleagues I can just share sweets and chocolates to them.”
Like Kelechi, Wumi Obabori, believes love gift should not be expensive. “You can give as little as a pencil. What is important is that you remembered the person and showed love. You can give advice or offer prayers.”
For Chima Chukwumerije, a broadcaster, the degradation of the real essence of Valentine’s Day has led to immorality on that day by a lot of young people. He said more emphasis should be placed on genuine, unrequited love.
“The day should remind us of sacrificial giving and not how many girls they slept with. For instance, if you give a hamper or bag of rice to a poor family in your neighbourhood or an anonymous gift to the orphanage, these  are genuine love gifts,” he said.
Muhammed Zakari, an IT operator, said love gifts should be a daily affair. He added that in Islam, no day is set aside or recognised for showing love.
Love is recognised by  many religions as the basis for human existence, and so you are encouraged to leave a lasting impression of love to that person beside you. This way, the world becomes  a better place.