St. Valentine’s Day

Its origins reach back to ancient Rome and medieval Europe, where the figure of Saint Valentine emerged as a symbol of devotion. Legend portrays him as a courageous healer who secretly united loving couples in marriage, offering them faith in the triumph of love. Over time, the celebration blossomed in Great Britain and France, where the romantic tradition of exchanging “valentines” — elegant cards bearing heartfelt confessions — first appeared.

In Ukraine, the day gained popularity in the 1990s and quickly transformed into a time of warmth and closeness. Flowers, sweets, candlelit evenings, and quiet gestures of affection highlight the value Ukrainians place on intimacy and connection. Today, in a time of profound trials and pressure from aggression, love has taken on a deeper and more essential meaning. While the enemy seeks to sow despair and undermine psychological resilience, Ukrainians hold their inner front through care for those dearest to them. Letters sent to the front lines, brief phone calls filled with words of support, and children’s drawings become a kind of spiritual armor for soldiers. Love gives defenders a sense of the home for which they fight and fills their hearts with a strength capable of withstanding any storm.

Japan has its own remarkable story of this day. Widespread celebration began in 1958, sparked by the bold initiative of Mary Chocolate. That year, a Tokyo department store hosted the first Valentine’s chocolate sale. Interestingly, only three bars were sold during that initial campaign — yet it laid the foundation for a lasting tradition. Later, an advertising campaign by Morinaga established the custom that women express their feelings through chocolate. Thus emerged the concepts of giri-choco (courtesy chocolate) and honmei-choco (chocolate for true affection), helping make Japan one of the world’s leaders in cocoa consumption during this season.

The world of love knows astonishing records. The longest kiss lasted more than 58 hours, and the largest Valentine’s card was created from sand on a beach. In Japan, a moving annual event gathers couples who simultaneously declare their love aloud, filling the air with shared sincerity.

Science confirms that love is a powerful natural elixir. When we are in love, the brain actively produces dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins. These substances strengthen the immune system, enhance physical well-being, and create a deep sense of happiness. Oxytocin — often called the “hormone of hugs” — reduces stress, stabilizes blood pressure, and fosters a feeling of safety. Love acts as a natural source of energy, inspiring creativity, selflessness, and great deeds.

It is essential to preserve faith in love, for it is love that holds our world in harmony. Caring for another person fills life with meaning and gives us the strength to overcome even the most difficult challenges. Every warm word strengthens the heart, and every shared hope brightens the future. Love safeguards the world, making each of us better with every passing day.