Valentine (Essay)

VALENTINE’S DAY

Every February 14, candy, flower, chocolate, doll, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones. Do you know why? Yeah, February 14 is a love day we call it Valentine’s day. Many people celebrate this day, especially the young couples. In Indonesia itself, Valentine’s Day has been a tradition every year that people celebrate it. No matter Muslim or non Muslim, they still celebrate it. They will give chocolate, flower and other gifts to their couple with love in the name of valentine. But, for my beloved Muslim, do they know the history of Valentine’s Day? Should we, as Muslim, celebrate it?

                Valentine is a priest lived in Roma at third century. He lived in the castle under the leadership of King Claudius, who famous with his cruel. St. Valentine was very hate with Claudius. Claudius had an ambition to have a great troops and he wanted all men in the castle join it. But, his willing was not supported. The men were reluctant to be done in war, because they did not want to leave their wife and children. This made Claudius angry. He thought that if men were not been married, they would like and happy to do the war. Then Claudius announced his decision that he forbad the marriage.

At that time, the young couples who fallen in love totally did not accept this decision. Likewise, St. Valentine also did not accept this crazy decision. However, he still did his job as the priest; it was to marry the couple who were falling in love. He did his job quietly as secret. Finally, this action was known by King Claudius. One night, St. Valentine was caught when he was marrying the couple of love. That couple succeded to run away, but St. Valentine was caught and entered the jail. He got verdict of dead judgment with cutting head.

Many people visited and supported him. They threw flowers and supporting letters to the window of the jail. One of them that believe in love is a daughter of the jail’s keeper. Her father permitted her to meet St. Valentine. Moreover, they talked much and that girl has raised the struggle of St. Valentine. She agreed that St. Valentine had done a true thing. However, at that time, on February 14, St. Valentine’s head was cut. Before his dying, he wrote a letter for the jail keeper’s daughter. He wrote, “With love, from your Valentine”. This message has changed everything till every February 14 many people around the world celebrate it as lovely day in the name of St. Valentine.

From the history above, it is clear that Valentine’s Day is non Muslim’s celebration. It was celebrated to remember their priest St. Valentine. So, as Muslim we must avoid it and do not celebrate Valentine’s Day. Actually, we can say our love feeling to someone every day, not limited in only February 14.