The ManicaPost
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
Red roses, a diamond necklace, a box of chocolates, an expensive perfume and an overly-priced whiskey.
These are some of the items that your loved one is probably looking forward to receiving from you on Valentine’s Day.
A woman only identified as Mazvi received an early Valentine’s Day gift of flowers worth US$1 900 early this week.
“Mazvi’s flowers were bought by her husband Henry. He ordered fresh flowers in an engraved acrylic glass for US$400 on top of a box of flowers worth US$1 500. League of extraordinary gentleman,” reads a post on artiste and social media influencer, Mudiwa Hood’s Twitter handle.
We can only imagine what Mazvi will receive on February 14th.
Just in case you didn’t know, Valentine’s Day can be an incredibly expensive annual festival to celebrate love, and to some, much more expensive than any other!
Whether one believes in Valentine’s Day or not, it is a day recognised globally by millions of people from different walks of life.
Valentine’s Day will this year be celebrated on Monday.
While Valentine’s Day avails an opportune time for lovers to seal their romance, single people are left out in the cold.
On the special day, couples send Valentine’s Day cards, gifts and flowers and spend special time together to celebrate their love for each other.
There are many others who choose not to celebrate Valentine’s Day for various reasons, with the majority arguing that it originates with the honouring and worshipping of mythological gods.
Others don’t like the fact that it was once related to a pagan festival.
Some do not like the idea of celebrating their love on a particular day, choosing to make it an everyday thing, not just an event.
The Manica Post spoke to different people who shared their expectations and views about Valentine’s Day.
Prominent businessman, Mr Ian Mahara said he intends to spoil his wife on the special day.
“Mai Chiedza deserves to be spoilt and l will go all out,” he said.
Mr Oscar Bhanisi said: “We are still grappling with school fees issues, but on the day we have to make our loved ones happy. I will try to take my wife, Mai Tatenda, out for a braai. If I do not do that for her, who will spoil her? It is also a time to refresh and reflect on our relationship.”
Mrs Stella Mhlanga said it is a tradition to celebrate Valentine’s Day in her home.
“Normally, it comes as a surprise in terms of what actually transpires on the day, but I know something is being sorted,” she chuckled.
Mr Willis Bengula said: “I personally do not believe in Valentine’s Day. Love should be expressed every day in different special ways. Real men and women do not cry for Valentine’s Day gifts, but residential stands, education and many other important things.”
This year we are challenging couples to be more thoughtful and intentional in their gift sharing.
The goal is to emphasize the value of time together and exchanging sentiments.
Also keep in mind that most people prefer a thoughtful gift, and that doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be an expensive one.
But for centuries, superstitions surrounding Valentine’s Day have been adopted.
Some hold the belief that to be awoken by a kiss on Valentine’s Day brings luck.
Legend also has it that if a single woman spots a bird on February 14, it will predict the type of man she will marry.
For example, if she sees a dove, it is believed she will marry a man with a golden heart.
She will have a happy, peaceful marriage.
On the other hand, if she spots an owl on February 14, legend has it that she will never get married.
If it’s a sparrow, she will marry a poor man who will bring lots of happiness in her life.
If on the other hand a single woman spots a goldfinch on Valentine’s Day, it is believed she will marry a rich man.
These are just a few of the beliefs that are associated with Valentine’s Day.
Visit @ManicaPostZim on Twitter and Facebook and tell us your beliefs about the day.
