I like this post a lot. People often forget who St. Valentine of Rome was and how much he suffered. He represents the reason why we share love on this day.
I also like this post. I find it comical how it's poking fun at the fact that some Christian traditions, such as Valentine's day, has become commercialized. Unfortunately, many holidays have become commercialized and the true meaning behind the tradition is sometimes forgotten. It's important to remember why certain traditions are still celebrated. In this case, Saint Valentine is the reason why we show love to our family, friends, and people around us on Valentines Day. This means that we should appreciate all of our loved ones, and not just shower our significant other in presents.
I had a Baptist friend who went "church shopping" this past weekend, and accidentally attended a Catholic mass. When the service concluded, he attended the pasta meal arranged for students. As the priest prepared to say the prayer before the meal, he asked to the students "who shall we pray to?" Confused, my friend did not understand the concept of praying to saints, and poked fun at a tradition he clearly did not comprehend.
Ironically, he changed the topic by excitedly informing me of his Valentines Day plans with his girlfriend. Yes, many Christian traditions like Valentine's day suffer commercialization of secular society. And many, like my friend, do not even realize his plans to impress his girlfriend originated from a saint he had, only moments before, insulted.
Though an understanding of the background is lost, it's beautiful that the tradition of showing our love and appreciation for others lives on in honor of a saint.
Criticisms in regards to losing the meaning of Christmas to secular culture are a popular accusation during the Christmas season. However, most forget that charities receive their biggest donations and services during the month of December. If commercialization is a byproduct of couples celebrating their love through gifts, or the hungry enjoying a Christmas dinner, then I can deal with the ignorance of others. Yes, the commercialization has gone too far, but in moderation can be used to apply religious doctrine to the secular world.
Though I wish myself and others better understood the meaning behind Christian traditions, I am still thankful that goodwill, appreciation, and kindness live on from these traditions. St. Valentine was a proud Christian willing to endure pain for his beliefs. Though he deserves both the remembrance of his name and a continuation of traditions, I’m sure he’d rather have Christian values celebrated once a year rather solely his name.
This is so interesting. So many Christian traditions and holidays have become commercialized, from Christmas to Easter to Valentine's Day. I like how this post shows the irony of Christian holidays, and how the true meanings of these saints and traditions have become lost over the decades.
I like this post a lot. People often forget who St. Valentine of Rome was and how much he suffered. He represents the reason why we share love on this day.
ReplyDeleteI also like this post. I find it comical how it's poking fun at the fact that some Christian traditions, such as Valentine's day, has become commercialized. Unfortunately, many holidays have become commercialized and the true meaning behind the tradition is sometimes forgotten. It's important to remember why certain traditions are still celebrated. In this case, Saint Valentine is the reason why we show love to our family, friends, and people around us on Valentines Day. This means that we should appreciate all of our loved ones, and not just shower our significant other in presents.
ReplyDeleteI had a Baptist friend who went "church shopping" this past weekend, and accidentally attended a Catholic mass. When the service concluded, he attended the pasta meal arranged for students. As the priest prepared to say the prayer before the meal, he asked to the students "who shall we pray to?" Confused, my friend did not understand the concept of praying to saints, and poked fun at a tradition he clearly did not comprehend.
ReplyDeleteIronically, he changed the topic by excitedly informing me of his Valentines Day plans with his girlfriend. Yes, many Christian traditions like Valentine's day suffer commercialization of secular society. And many, like my friend, do not even realize his plans to impress his girlfriend originated from a saint he had, only moments before, insulted.
Though an understanding of the background is lost, it's beautiful that the tradition of showing our love and appreciation for others lives on in honor of a saint.
Criticisms in regards to losing the meaning of Christmas to secular culture are a popular accusation during the Christmas season. However, most forget that charities receive their biggest donations and services during the month of December. If commercialization is a byproduct of couples celebrating their love through gifts, or the hungry enjoying a Christmas dinner, then I can deal with the ignorance of others. Yes, the commercialization has gone too far, but in moderation can be used to apply religious doctrine to the secular world.
Though I wish myself and others better understood the meaning behind Christian traditions, I am still thankful that goodwill, appreciation, and kindness live on from these traditions. St. Valentine was a proud Christian willing to endure pain for his beliefs. Though he deserves both the remembrance of his name and a continuation of traditions, I’m sure he’d rather have Christian values celebrated once a year rather solely his name.
This is so interesting. So many Christian traditions and holidays have become commercialized, from Christmas to Easter to Valentine's Day. I like how this post shows the irony of Christian holidays, and how the true meanings of these saints and traditions have become lost over the decades.
ReplyDelete