Valentine's Day - Religious or secular?
By zandi458
@zandi458 (28102)
Malaysia
February 14, 2011 2:12am CST
Many around the world today signifies the day to celebrate love, as it is, after all, Valentine's Day. Unfortunately it is not going to happen in a joyous mood for lovers in this conservative Malaysian society. It has been announced days earlier that the day will be monitored closely and the moral police will be witch hunting for couples who are in twosomes in secluded places, might even be knocking on hotel rooms that have introduced 'love packages' hoping to catch and punish these sinful couples? 
It has been considered by some of our political pundits that it is a western culture and linking Valentine's Day to christianity. Who could ever deny the word 'Valentine' draws some connection to St Valentine, the church's authorities have not endorsed the connection. It is unfortunate that some self appointed moral guardians are terribly concerned that Valentine's Day is tainted with immoral activities, as if it is going to be a field day for youths to tear off their clothes and get down and dirty. 
. To many, valentine's day has more to it than just arrows in cupid's quiver. Happy Valentine's Day to all.
It has been considered by some of our political pundits that it is a western culture and linking Valentine's Day to christianity. Who could ever deny the word 'Valentine' draws some connection to St Valentine, the church's authorities have not endorsed the connection. It is unfortunate that some self appointed moral guardians are terribly concerned that Valentine's Day is tainted with immoral activities, as if it is going to be a field day for youths to tear off their clothes and get down and dirty. . To many, valentine's day has more to it than just arrows in cupid's quiver. Happy Valentine's Day to all.8 people like this
15 responses
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
17 Feb 11
I did read in another discussion a few days ago about some tyrannical body wanting to ban Valentine’s Day in certain countries. It is a shame because this day is about love and love cannot be ever be wrong or immoral. No political body should take away people’s rights to celebrate and love is certainly something worth celebrating!
2 people like this
@zandi458 (28102)
• Malaysia
21 Feb 11
It is unfortunate that these religious fanatics created their own version of Valentine's Day and feared that something immoral will happen to young lovers. There are always fears of unwanted pregnancies which has been on the rise in this country lately.
@zweeb82 (5653)
• Malaysia
19 Feb 11
Check this out. The Dark Origins of Valentine's Day. Is it religious or secular? Well, it's secular because greedy people want to make tons of money out of naive & innocent people? Religious because it's tied up with the Pope? But please, the Pope is not a Christian
The literal word Christian means "little Christ". Many claim to be "followers" of Christ but they claim to have a form of godliness but denying it's power--they just do whatever they like, especially some just think they're God & demands to be worshipped, what a joke
The literal word Christian means "little Christ". Many claim to be "followers" of Christ but they claim to have a form of godliness but denying it's power--they just do whatever they like, especially some just think they're God & demands to be worshipped, what a joke1 person likes this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
15 Feb 11
Pretty much just another normal monday at my house. I did get a pretty card from one of my mylot friends & my grandson called me last night to wish me a Happy Valentine's so that was two good things that happened to me. Hope u got your share.
@elitess (5070)
• Ipswich, England
16 Feb 11
Hello zandi.
I am surprised to hear about that oppression, and NO i can't name it otherwise, because every person should be aloud to make his/her own decision, not be induced by overreacting religions or political "powers".
I had an operation at my foot on valentine's day, not really a nice celebration for me, but at least i got to kiss my girlfriend on the day.
1 person likes this
A kiss is the best gift for Valentine.
@Professor2010 (20162)
• India
16 Feb 11
Dear zandi
20 years ago we were not aware of this , but the tv and media made it popular, the worst effected were the college going girls and guys, even some school going stuff.
last year police arrested some from girls/guys from parks and public places, they were kissing, cuddling openly, here it is legally not permitted.
i would rather observe this as an universal friendship day..
Thanks for this discussion.
Cheers.
BE HAPPY ALWAYS.
Professor ‘Bhuwan’. .
1 person likes this
@zandi458 (28102)
• Malaysia
16 Feb 11
I think this is all about Asian values that those in authority are trying to uphold. It is tragic that unmarried couples are treated like criminals when all they want is to celebrate the day like their other counterparts all over the world. Our country is becoming too small, not just physically but also in its mindset.
1 person likes this
@danishcanadian (28953)
• Canada
21 Feb 11
I think people can take any holiday, and make it religious or secular, depending on how they interpret the holiday's origins I did not grow up knowing a lot about saints so for me the day was very secular, but a lot of fun. Just like some non-Christian members of my family and Christmas. Secular, but fun.
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
15 Feb 11
hi zandi I get the ugly picture that the Muslims are out in force to punish all us who are not islamic and that is terrifying I kept gettingt told most muslims do not want to kill all the rest of us but yet we read of killings of people only because they were muslims worshipping allah. I wish that these moral police would leave people alone and not ruin a wonderful day of love of friends and relatives and of course mates too. I see nothing wicked in peace and love and friendship. we should be practicing it everyday.I hope all moral guardians choke on their own moralistiv saliva. lol lol lol.
@salonga (27775)
• Philippines
14 Feb 11
It is so sad that many partners take advantage of this day to do immoral things. It is really sad. I hope this day is celebrated with purity because love in it original meaning should be pure. This is not a license for unmarried people to practice fornication. Well anyway,despite the wrong way many people celebrate this day, I and my husband always make it a point to celebrate our love on this day. We don't miss to go out on this date to find a romantic place where we could dine and enjoy the night. Unlike previous Valentine's celebration, I've encouraged him to be more practical this time by not giving me flowers. He can always give me flowers and they still smell as sweet on any day other than Valentine's day.
@kirtricks (650)
• India
14 Feb 11
yess ,,
i read in a website that it is realated to some saint known as st valentine and it is that day for lovers to express their love and exchange gifts..
@kirtricks (650)
• India
15 Feb 11
yeah that still remains a mystery..
st valentine is a priest and so he cannot have a lover and so why is this valentines day related to himm..
@monty21 (119)
• India
15 Feb 11
Valentine day is neither religious not secular. The day is about love, so we can not compare it to any other things. And one thing more about it is that it is for everyone. It does not mean for only boys and girls. It is about love, so everyone in the word can celebrate it as his own way like loving every people, loving nature, and loving animals. Just give away the love among people not only on this day but also everyday.
1 person likes this
@hlgmdt (300)
• Philippines
15 Feb 11
I heard in the news last night that Valentine's Day is not a religious activity. It is not observed for any religious reason and it nothing to do with Christian or Protestant Faith. Based on this, it is a secular event. I guess when people celebrate it, they do not connect it to a celebration of spirituality just the way they celebrate Easter or Christmas. Valentine's Day is more of a commercial valued-event. It's the time when Hallmark cards, flowers, and chocolates become the most in-demand purchase.
1 person likes this
@HarryS88 (32)
• Indonesia
14 Feb 11
It's really confusing to tell if this celebration is religious or secular, but it is clear that the Valentine's day is well-known and celebrated worldwide. The most important thing is we will not do something immoral and bad in this special day. We will never taint this day with bad deeds.
Let's enjoy this day. Have a good Valentine's day.
@zandi458 (28102)
• Malaysia
15 Feb 11
Huhu...they are unregistered moral police. Those busybodies who think they are saints going around patrolling the city trying to catch couples in close proximity during valentine's day. I think it is only happening in my country where people who, to be honest, really are bigots. 