By our writer
The day first became associated with romantic love within the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. In 18th-century England, it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as “valentines“). In Europe, Saint Valentine’s Keys are given to lovers “as a romantic symbol and an invitation to unlock the giver’s heart”, as well as to children, in order to ward off epilepsy(called Saint Valentine’s Malady). Valentine’s Day symbols that are used today include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards
In Uganda,Valentines day is normally associated with lovers such as girlfriends and boyfriends,fiances and spouses,generally Ugandans take their love relationships so serious on this day hence leaving out their family members. NBS TV’s Agartha Loswash made it memorable by celebrating it with her mum as she posted a pic of them together as quoted below “So blessed to have you as my Valentine mama”!
