Ugandan lovers join other lovers in rest of the world today 14 February 2019 to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day.
According to the Catholic church, the day is celebrated in memory of Saint Valentine of Rome a priest in the Roman Empire who ministered to Christians who were persecuted there. He was martyred on February 14, which has been observed as the Feast of Saint Valentine (Saint Valentine's Day) since 496 AD
The origin of this holiday for the expression of love really isn't romantic at all according to the church traditions. He was condemned to death by an emperor called Claudias who persecuted the church at that particular time.
The Emperor had also an edict that prohibited the marriage of young people. This was based on the hypothesis that unmarried soldiers fought better than married soldiers because married soldiers would be afraid of what might happen to them or their wives or families if they died.
However, St. Valentine married these soldiers in secret. Valentine was eventually caught, imprisoned and tortured for performing marriage ceremonies against command of Emperor Claudius the second. There are legends surrounding Valentine's actions while in prison. Valentine has come to be known as the patron saint of lovers.
To many people however, this day means confessing and showing love to one another especially in romantic terms. Red roses, wines and expensive gifts are being delivered to homes and offices for lovers by their partners in celebration of the day.
But in whichever way you choose to celebrate it, do so responsibly and with love.
