DILI, 14 february 2022 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste’s youths celebrate Valentine’s Day 2022 by calling on communities, particularly young people, to spread love and kindness among each other to prevent conflict in the country.
Ercia de Jesus Rodrigues, one of the youths among many others who celebrates Valentine’s Day with her friends at the Lorosa’e National University (UNTL) said Valentine’s Day is not about a romantic relationship between two people but saying it’s a very special day for everyone to celebrate with their loved ones.
“We need to spread love and kindness to our family, siblings, friends, and those around us. We need to do every single thing that shows love and kindness, such as helping others,” said Rodrigues.
She said communities need to grow unity and share love with each other in Timor-Leste.
“To all communities and young people in Timor-Leste, we need to grow unity and build a good relationship in our communities to prevent conflict. We need to create peace and stability in the country,” she stressed.
At the same place, Lucia Martins Gomes, a political science student from the Lorosa’e National University (UNTL) called on communities, particularly the young people to show love by respecting each other in their neighborhoods: “As young people, we need to love ourselves, our family, and our friends. Therefore, I call on all my fellow young Timorese to spread love in our communities.”
Santidade Marinela Fatima from Bidau Neighborhood said that Valentine’s Day is a special day for all people to show love and care to their loved ones and friends.
Olimpio Teixeira Ximenes from Baucau municipality also urged young people in the country to strengthen fraternity and amicable relationships in the communities.
In addition, Cesar Gama de Jesus, a social communication student from the Lorosa’e National University (UNTL), thanked her mother for the love he has been receiving since he was born: “It’s the first time I celebrate this special day without my parents around me. I learned how to love others from my mother.”
“I call on young people across the country to use this special day wisely to do things that may bring positive impact in the communities,” he said.
Francisco Colo from Oe-Cusse said that love must come from within first: “Valentine’s Day is a special day for us to express our love and sentiment with each other in the communities. We need to forget all the bad things we did in the past and grow kindness and share love in our communities.”
Saint Valentine and the Origin of Valentine’s Day
The history of Valentine’s Day dates back to the 3rd century AD. Roman Emperor Claudius II forbade marriages as he believed that single combatants performed better in battle.
A bishop of the time, named Valentim, disrespected this imperial decree, performing marriages. The secret was discovered and Valentine was arrested, tortured and sentenced to death.
According to legend, while he was in prison, Valentim became very friendly with the jailer’s daughter, who was blind and, by a miracle, the girl was cured of blindness.
Executed on the 14th of february in the year 269, the date gave rise to Valentine’s Day. But, before he died, Valentim managed to send and receive some letters while still in his cell, which led to the exchange of cards, the so-called “valentines”.
Several countries in the world including Timor-Leste celebrate Valentine’s Day on Valentine’s Day. On this day, in addition to exchanging gifts, lovers usually go out to dinner and prepare surprises for each other.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Rafy Belo
