February 14th is the day when, around the world, love is celebrated and when gifts and flowers are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of Saint Valentine. Where do these traditions come from, and why is the day of love celebrated in Israel on a different day, named Tu b’Av?
There are many myths and stories as to why couples celebrate the Saint Valentine as the priest of love.
One story is how during the Roman Empire, the Emperor Claudius II decided single men were better soldiers and so out-ruled marriage. The priest Saint Valentine continued to secretly marry couples in the name of love. Others say that an imprisoned Valentine sent the “first Valentine greeting to a young girl he loved. Even though the real reason why we celebrate Valentine’s day is mythical and not very known, all stories emphasize Saint Valentine as a heroic and mostly romantic figure.
Valentine’s Day is celebrated differently around the world. Throughout the Europe alone, one can see many different traditions. For example, in Spain you may receive a book from your loved one, Italians may spoil you with candy, while Norwegians will stare into the sky to look at the birds as the sight of two birds flying together is recognized as a sure sign of finding love.
Israel day of love is both an ancient and modern holiday. Tu B’Av which takes place around mid-August, originated in the Talmudic times, when this day was considered the time for women to dress in white dresses and dance, looking to catch a young man’s eye. Women in Talmudic times did not have many opportunities to meet young men, as the men were studying Torah all day in all male groups. This day was considered a day when young couples could “accidently” meet each other. Isn’t that romantic?
Nowadays in Israel this Day of Love is a replica of the February version commemorated in the Western World, Israelis and foreigners enjoys the company of their love ones, send gifts and pay a monthly salary for a simple bouquet of red roses. Basically celebrating love and retail sales increase at the same time.
No matter the religion, country or history or day in the calendar, most countries have dedicated a day to celebrate love. Because if love is not worth celebrating, what is?