Songsoptok
interview
Valentine’s Day
– myth or reality?
SONGSOPTOK:Valentine’s
Day has become one of the major festivals these days, comparable to
Thanksgiving, Christmas, Diwali, Id, Rosh Hashanah or Chanukah and observed by men
and women irrespective of religion. Do you agree? How important is it in the
country you live in??
ANAHIT: Valentine is one the most popular festivals in my country
and worldwide. Valentin's day symbolizing love and friendship.
SONGSOPTOK:There
are several different views about the history and origin of Valentine’s Day.
Which is the version you know about?
ANAHIT: There are different views about the origin and history of
Valentine's day. Valentine is said to have been a Christian doctor. He was
arrested and sentenced to death for his belief. In prison he fell in love with
the jail keeper's blind daughter. He used his ability to heal her blindness.
Before his death he wrote a letter to her. '' From your Valentine''
SONGSOPTOK:Why
do you think Valentine’s Day has become so important all over the world
irrespective of the political, social and religious dimensions? Do you think
that the anxiety and stress related to modern day relationships have
contributed to its growing popularity all over the world?
ANAHIT: The festival symolizing love and friendship is wonderful.
That's why Valentine's festival has been celebrated by millions of people all
over the world for centuries.
SONGSOPTOK:Do
you celebrate Valentine’s Day? In what way? If you don’t, will you please
explain why not?
ANAHIT: I celabrate Valentine's day and it's one of my favourite
festivals.
SONGSOPTOK:Do
you feel obliged to do something special for your spouse/partner on Valentine’s
Day or it is similar to and as natural as celebrating birthdays and
anniversaries? In other words, is there any peer pressure to conform to the
traditions associated with the modern version of Valentine’s Day?
ANAHIT: I write a love poem on the Valentine's card and
give it to my husband. My husband gives me his love poem with the words '' From
your Valentine''.
SONGSOPTOK: According
to you what, if anything, is special about Valentine’s Day? Does it play an
important role in romantic relationships? Why? Is it important for you to
surprise your partner on Valentine’s Day? What would be your preferred way?
ANAHIT: I think Valentine's festival is very romantic.
SONGSOPTOK: Do
you buy gifts on Valentine’s Day? What type of gifts do you normally buy? Do
you think it is important to follow the norm and go for the traditional gifts
like flowers, chocolates, cards, perfumes etc.? Please share your motivations
or lack of them with us?
ANAHIT: I usually buy cards and books.
SONGSOPTOK: Marketing
Gurus often dub Hallmark as the official sponsor of Valentine’s Day in the USA.
Do you have any equivalent in your own country? Do big consumer good companies
carry out an aggressive promotion campaign for Valentine’s Day? What are their
preferred channels? Do social media play an important role in this respect in
your country of residence?
ANAHIT: Markets sell more goods on Valentine's day. In my country
Valentine's festival is very popular too. Most people buy different gifts and
flowers on this beautiful day.
SONGSOPTOK: What
are the popular customs related to Valentine’s Day in the country you live in?
What do you think about them? Do you think that men and women actually enjoy
and look forward to 14th February or is it just a matter of keeping
up with the Jones’??
ANAHIT: Most customs and traditions are the same everywhere. I
think the festival of love and friendship is enjoyed by both men and women.
SONGSOPTOK: Do
you think that there is actually a social stigma for single, unattached people
who do not celebrate Valentine’s Day? Do you think that the Valentine Day
extravaganza may have a negative impact on their psyche, moral and ultimately
their well-beings? What is your own experiences? Would you please share it with
us?
ANAHIT: I think Valentine's
festival is very positive and it's one of the most beautiful festivals which
people celebrate every 14 February with great pleasure.
We sincerely thank you for
your time and hope to have your continued support.
Aparajita Sen
(EDITOR)
Songsoptok
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