The day of love and friendship is celebrated in September and not in February, and reason has nothing to do with romanticism
News Colombia.
In Colombia, Cupid seems to have another agenda. While in almost the world on February 14, Valentine is celebrated, here love and friendship are celebrated in Septemberexactly the Third Saturday of the month. And it was not chance or poetry who moved the date: it was trade.
The story goes back to 1969when the merchants saw that on February 14 it coincided with the school expense at the beginning of the year.
It was difficult to sell flowers, chocolates or jewelry when families were adjusted paying supplies and registrations. The solution was to move the party to September, a month without special celebrations, and thus a tradition was born that ended up staying in the Colombian calendar.
In love to Pareceros
At the beginning, the day was designed for lovers. But over time it was extended to the friendshipwhich allowed not only couples to have a reason to celebrate.
Thus appeared the famous “Secret friend”that game that became custom in schools, offices and even families, where everyone receives a surprise gift.
Although Cupid is late, the origin of the celebration is still in Rome. Legend tells that Valentine He was a priest who married soldiers in secret, challenging Emperor Claudio II.
His disobedience led him to martyrdom, and centuries later, Pope Gelasio I declared on February 14 as his day.
Tradition traveled through Europe and America, transforming with the years on a date loaded with flowers, cards and commerce. In Colombia, the turn was total: the month was changed, the friendship was added and a unique version of the party was created.
And what is given?
Beyond the great details, what is worth this date is the intention. Some simple ideas that never fail are:
- A letter with words of thanks.
- A bouquet of flowers or a plant.
- A homemade meal or a exit for a coffee.
- A useful or technological accessory.
- A shared experience: cinema, concert or short walk.
The day of love and friendship was not born from romanticism, but from a commercial play. But over time it became one of the most beloved dates of the country, because here love is not celebrated only as a couple: it is also celebrated in patch, among friends, family and everyone who is part of the heart.
