How Saint Valentine Became Established as the Day of Lovers
The article discusses the evolution of Valentine's Day celebrations in Greece, particularly in the context of modern romantic relationships characterized by digital communication.
The article explores the transformation of love and romance in contemporary society, emphasizing how today's relationships often start through algorithms and digital means such as dating apps. It contrasts this with the more traditional forms of expressing love, where handwritten notes and public declarations in print media were common. The author suggests that while love may seem to have become more superficial and quick-paced, it may merely be adapting to the modern era.
A key focus of the article is how Valentine's Day was established in Greece, primarily discussing the insights of Mina A. Alexiades, a folklore professor, who wrote about its emergence in 1993. He notes that the celebration took root in Greece during the 1980s and reflects on the cultural changes that accompanied this trend, shifting from romantic gestures that relied on physical tokens of affection to a more digital landscape.
The implications of this shift raise questions about the depth and quality of modern relationships, as they are influenced by technology. Despite the criticisms of contemporary romance being fleeting and surface-level, the article posits that this evolution in how love is expressed can still hold meaningful value in a different format, suggesting that love, in its essence, persists even as its expressions change.