Celebrating Love, Connection, and the Joy of Being Loved on Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day carries history, ritual, and a deep human longing for connection. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores the roots of the holiday and the enduring power of love in our lives.
I have fond memories of this day in school. First, you could prepare for the day of exchanging cards weeks in advance, even making your own cards. Second, you could expect your basket or cubby to be filled with cards from everyone else in the class. That was a must. You could not leave anyone out. What a concept. Everyone was treated equally.
This celebration has roots in Roman history and early pagan rituals as well. The pagan fertility festival, offered to thank the gods for the harvest, was transformed by the Romans into a sacrificial ceremony centered on fertility and honoring women for producing more Romans.
The Christian connection is interesting. Emperor Claudius II, from 268 to 270 AD, outlawed marriage. He needed men to build his army and thought that if he banned marriage, the pool of males would be able to meet his needs for soldiers. A priest named Valentine went behind his back and married couples anyway. I am sure that did not end well for the priest, but his name is forever linked to this day when we celebrate the union of male and female.
Love is the source of song and poem.
“Love Is in the Air!” is a song by John Paul Young.
“Love Makes the World Go Round!” is a song by Deon Jackson.
Aristotle wrote, “Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.”
Rumi wrote, “Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.”
Oscar Wilde observed, “Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead.”
Clearly, love is powerful both as a need and as a product. We are born connected to another human in an act of love and sacrifice. We love others because we cannot help it. Love is fuel for our souls. We are healthier when we are loved. We are happier when we are loved. We are more creative when we are loved.
I think the source of love is less important than the fact of being loved.
On this Valentine’s Day, celebrate the love you receive.
On this Valentine’s Day, be sure to show love to those around you.
If you’re reflecting on love, connection, or emotional growth, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support clarity, resilience, and deeper connection.
By Dr. Gloria K Vanderhorst