Valentine’s Day is named after Saint Valentine, a Catholic priest who lived in Rome in the 3rd Century. There are many stories about St. Valentine and over time these stories grew into the legend we know today.

Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine is celebrated annually on February 14th. It originated as a Christian feast day honoring a martyr named Valentine and through later folk traditions, it has also become a significant cultural, religious and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world.

At the time of Valentine’s life, many Romans were converting to Christianity, but the Emperor Claudius II was a pagan who created strict laws about what Christians were allowed to do. Claudius believed that Roman soldiers should be completely devoted to Rome and therefore, passed a law preventing them from marrying. St. Valentine began to marry these soldiers in secret Christian ceremonies and this was the beginning of his reputation for believing in the importance of love.

Eventually, Valentine’s actions were discovered and he was jailed for his crimes against Claudius. While in prison, Valentine cared for his fellow prisoners and also his jailor’s blind daughter. History has it that Valentine cured the girl’s blindness, and that his final act before being executed was to write her a love message signed “from your Valentine.” Valentine was executed on February 14, 270.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day in Uganda, as in many other countries, is an opportunity to express love, appreciation, and affection for loved ones. While the day has its origins in Western traditions, it has become a global celebration of love.

Most of the Ugandans are looking forward to Wednesday, February 14, 2024, as a day to celebrate Valentines, and here are a few reasons why celebrating this day is meaningful.

Valentine’s Day is an occasion meant to strengthen relationships and celebrate the bonds with our partners, friends and family members. It is a day to show appreciation and affection for those we care about.

The day encourages the spread of acts of love, kindness and compassion, but not just about romantic love. It is also an opportunity to spread love and joy to those around us.

Embracing celebrations like Valentine’s Day is seen as a way to experience and appreciate different cultures and traditions around the world.

According to Carolyn Ampereza, a florist on Bombo Road in Kampala city, many businesses in Uganda, such as florists, gift shops and restaurants often see an increase in customers during Valentine’s Day. This provides economic support to local entrepreneurs and contributes to the local economy.

“For us who benefit from this day where people celebrate love, we always look forward to it because we make so many sales that by afternoon, we are even running out of flowers. This time round, I have made enough booking from my supplier,” Ampereza said.

Additionally, the day offers a chance to create enduring memories whether through a romantic dinner, exchanging heartfelt gifts, or spending quality time with loved ones. Such shared memories are never forgotten and will always be part of a loved one’s life.

However, it is important to note that different people and cultures may have varied perspectives on celebrating Valentine’s Day. Some find it meaningful and a beautiful way to express love while others view it as overly commercialized or not in line with their personal beliefs.

Angelica Chandia , a baker residing in Bweyogere, Kira divison in Wakiso district, said that this will be a day for her to build her relationship with God as she enters the lent season.

“I am excited about this year’s Valentine’s Day because it is colliding with Ash Wednesday, so I will use the it to build my relationship with God as I begin my lent,” Chandia said.

Ultimately, the decision to celebrate Valentine’s Day is a personal choice, and it is essential to respect individual preferences and cultural practices.