Val’s Day not for immoral activities

VALENTINE’S Day (Val’s Day) is here again! It is a day meant for celebrating pure love, affection, compassion and friendship.

The Day is named after Saint Valentine, a priest who, according to legend, secretly married couples in Rome against Emperor Claudius II’s orders, which forbade marriage for young men to improve their soldiering skills.

Historically, it is tied to romantic love, as Saint Valentine stood for love, commitment and marriage, even at the cost of his life.

However, in modern times some people rather use the day to engage in immoral activities but considering the core perspectives on Valentine’s Day, it should be observed without falling into sexual immorality. Rather, it should encourage individuals to uphold moral standards.

These days the celebrations are often commercialised with all sorts of arrangements to buy expensive gifts for friends and loved ones.

Until recently, many individuals, groups and organisations have redefined Val’s Day which is viewed as an opportunity to show love to the needy, orphans, or friends, rather than solely focusing on romantic or sexual partner, with some suggesting that true love does not require sexual activity.

Some groups, including certain Christian denominations even frown on the celebration of Val’s Day as to them the pressure to participate can lead to increased cases of unplanned pregnancies, the transmission of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), and the breakdown of relationships.

The Spectator is urging those who celebrate Valentine’s Day to celebrate it in moderation and focus more on expressing care to convey sincere affection to friends, family, and partners.

Since the Day doubles as Chocolate Day, it is even more appropriate to share gifts of chocolate products to friends and loved ones in order to promote Ghana chocolate to boost the industry.

We also propose that Valentine’s Day should be used for acts of kindness, volunteering, helping the poor, or engaging in charitable work to put smiles on the faces of others.

Instead of associating Valentine’s Day with immoral behaviour, physical intimacy or even focusing only on material gifts, individuals can choose to celebrate in ways that align with their personal values and moral principles such as spending quality time with loved ones.

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