Songsoptok
interview
Valentine’s Day
– myth or reality?
SONGSOPTOK: Valentine’s Day has
become one of the major festivals these days, comparable to Thanksgiving,
Christmas, Diwali, Id, Rosh Hashanah or Chanukah and observed by men and women
irrespective of religion. Do you agree? How important is it in the country you
live in??
ANNA:
Yes, I agree with this opinion. Valentine’s Day
also called Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is a very
special day celebrated all over the world by adults as well as children. In
this unique time people show feelings to share Love, affection and friendship.
They give cards, letters, flowers or presents to their loved ones. Here in
London Valentine’s Day is very famous and popular. London offers really so many
attractions and different ways of celebrating. There are many organised parties
at various hotels and in restaurants, pubs, cinemas and even on famous bridges
like Tower Bridge or London Bridge. People can drink champagne looking up to
beautiful view from London Eye. In another place there are even some special
boungee jumping for couples.
SONGSOPTOK: There are several
different views about the history and origin of Valentine’s Day. Which is the
version you know ?
ANNA:
I connect it with St. Valentine. There were at
least three Christian saints by that name. There are also some art works where
this day is very well written up, for example in the novel of Sir Walter Scott,
before this day was mentioned even by Shakespeare.
SONGSOPTOK: Why do you think
Valentine’s Day has become so important all over the world irrespective of the
political, social and religious dimensions? Do you think that the anxiety and
stress related to modern day relationships have contributed to its growing popularity all
over the world?
ANNA:
I think Valentine’s Day has become so important
simply because of Love. ”There is only one happiness in this life, to love and
to be loved” as said George Sand.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you celebrate
Valentine’s Day? In what way? If you don’t, will you please explain why not?
ANNA:
Yes, I usually celebrate Valentine’s Day going out
to the theatre, restaurant or concert. Anyways, the most important is being
together no matter. where, even at home it can be the best time.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you feel obliged
to do something special for your spouse/partner on Valentine’s Day or it is
similar to and as natural as celebrating birthdays and anniversaries? In other
words, is there any peer pressure to conform to the traditions associated with
the modern version of Valentine’s Day?
ANNA:
I prefer candle- lit- dinner among sounds of great
music. I like cooking special dishes and spending time in romantic atmosphere
on this unique day as well as any normal single day. True Love should be
celebrated every day.
SONGSOPTOK: According to you
what, if anything, is special about Valentine’s Day? Does it play an important
role in romantic relationships? Why? Is it important for you to surprise your
partner on Valentine’s Day? What would be your preferred way?
ANNA:
It can be many different ways to surprise a partner
or loved ones. It depends on the person and his/her personality and character.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you buy gifts on
Valentine’s Day? What type of gifts do you normally buy? Do you think it is
important to follow the norm and go for the traditional gifts like flowers,
chocolates, cards, perfumes etc.? Please share your motivations or lack of them with us?
ANNA:
In my opinion every single day can be like
Valentine’s Day. The most important is to give Love and smile and follow the
heart. As St. Mother Teresa said: “Let us always meet each other with smile,
for the smile is the beginning of Love.” Yes,, I buy traditional gifts like
flowers, chocolates, perfumes etc.
SONGSOPTOK: Marketing Gurus
often dub Hallmark as the official sponsor of Valentine’s Day in the USA. Do
you have any equivalent in your own country? Do big consumer good companies
carry out an aggressive promotion campaign for Valentine’s Day? What are their
preferred channels? Do social media play an important role in this respect in
your country of residence?
ANNA:
Year after year Valentine’s Day is more and more
comercial. The most romantic day of the year has become too materialistic.
SONGSOPTOK: What are the popular
customs related to Valentine’s Day in the country you live in? What do you
think about them? Do you think that men and women actually enjoy and look forward
to 14th February or is it just a matter of keeping up with the Jones’??
ANNA:
“I’d rather have roses on my table than diamonds on
my neck.”
SONGSOPTOK: Do you think that
there is actually a social stigma for single, unattached people who do not celebrate
Valentine’s Day? Do you think that the Valentine Day extravaganza may have a
negative impact on their psyche, moral and ultimately their well-beings? What
is your own experiences? Would you please share it with us?
ANNA:
I don’t know, but there are so many broken hearts
these days. So even every single adversting due to Valentine’s Day can have
negative impact on their psyche. On the other hand what is more important than
Love? As Walter Scott wrote: “ Love rules the court, the camp, the grove, And
men below and saints above: For love is heaven and heaven is love.”
We sincerely thank you
for your time and hope to have your continued support.
Aparajita
Sen
(EDITOR)
Songsoptok
0 Comments
