What does Valentine’s Day mean to you?

As a barrage of flowers, teddy bears, chocolates, jewellery, cards and other presents make their way towards lovers this Tuesday, Cecilia Kapalamula asks a few well known Malawians what the day signifies to them.

Joyce Banda : Malawi’s Vice President

I have been lucky to be married to Richard Banda who without fail has given me flowers on Valentine’s Day. Magic Flowers Centre in Blantyre [Malawi’s commercial city] can confirm that. Valentine’s Day gives me a chance to reciprocate by being a good wife to him. Secondly, I spend the day in prayer for the many blessings given to Richard and I. I thank God for giving us loving children and a wider family.”

While it is basically lovers that show love to one another, I am of the opinion that the day must provide an opportunity for people to do good to the less fortunate. After all, it was established and named after a Christian martyr St. Valentine for all humanity to express and show love for one another.

Maupo Msowoya: Soccer star

Valentine’s Day is a very special day for the people who are in love. This is the  time we need to show care to our loved ones. My favourite Valentine’s Day was when my team carried the trophy in the 2008 Super League. This just added to the celebration of my love. I thank God for my lovely wife, who understands me completely. I love her so much and ensure that she is aware of this throughout the year.

 

Skeffa Chimoto: Musician.

Every day is Valentine’s for me because I love my wife throughout the year and make sure she knows that. I do celebrate the day though and I love it because it brings a lot of surprises to us both.

 

Annie Magola: National Bank’s corporate affairs manager

“My understanding of this day is that lovers express their love for each other by sending Valentine’s cards, flowers or any type of gift deemed fit for the occasion.  Of course, this is a western culture but since it is one of those cultures that bring no evil but joy and happiness, it’s something I wouldn’t mind borrowing.

It brightens people’s lives at least once in a year. To those of our colleagues in florist industries and gift shops, this is also time for them to increase their sales. Seeing people sending each other flowers and love messages makes me happy. I am simply happy when people are happy. I am also happy when I receive same from my beloved one or when we simply spend quiet time together. I also love giving him a little something.”

 

Beatrice Mikuwa: Blantyre Police public relations officer

I remember my loved one in a special way on Valentine’s Day. I make sure that I surprise him, he also does the same. Last year, I had a special Valentine’s Day with my beloved husband Greyson Mikuwa which I will never forget. He took me to Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi. We cerebrated the day there.

From there, we went to Malindi in the same district. I expect that this year’s Valentine’s will also bring its good memories like that of last year.