…Women to treat men this year on leap year Valentine’s Day

Ngoni Dapira

WHEN it’s the month of February there are many commemorations that come to mind like Black History Month, (1 February to 1 March), the Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day (21 February), but the most synonymous is Valentine’s Day celebrated on the 14^th  each year. It may not be a public holiday but it is definitely one calendar event that many couples mark on their calendars.

An areal view of White Horse Inn in Vumba

This year, tonight (Wednesday) White Horse Inn in Vumba has decided to treat lovebirds to a cozy romantic night that will be serenaded by veteran solo guitarist Steve Chikotie. The Mutare based solo guitarist who is known for his versatility and charming recitals of golden oldies during his shows is no stranger to performing at such functions and always impresses with soothing love ballads, spicing up the mood with some party tracks as well.

Valentine’s Day complimentary champagne menu.

White Horse Inn director Frank Marembo said there will be some Valentine’s Day promotions that will only last for the day. “We will have a Valentine’s Day special B and B (Bed and Breakfast) for $100 per couple reduced from our regular price of $125, and a special dinner package for $30 per person with complimentary champagne,” said Marembo.

The exquisite hotel in Vumba best known for its beautiful, relaxing gardens and mouthwatering cuisine dishes, has stood the test of time in the eastern border city, still drawing visitors from far and wide. Marembo said organizing such events is their way of giving back to society and promoting the place at the same time.

The Marunjeya and Ngoma Ngaikosore solo guitarist Chikotie confirmed the show and said he would definitely bring his A ‘game to make the night special. “Valentine’s Day is always a special day to perform and help spark love. I will definitely sing a lot of love ballads in my bag of tricks and make it a memorable night,” said Chikotie.

Steve Chikotie

Valentine’s Day, has traditionally now become a day when lovebirds rekindle their romance and love for each other whilst businesspeople on the other hand commercialise the day organizing romantic dinner events, selling lingerie, flowers, chocolates, teddy bears, bracelets and necklaces and all sorts of promotional Valentine’s love token presents.

Tradition has it that in a leap year, the tables are turned, and the woman can propose to their man, so this year the women are treating men this Valentine’s Day. A leap year, occurs once every four years, and has 366 days including 29 February as an intercalary day. An ordinary year has 365 days. The last leap year was 2020.

A survey in the central business district of Mutare yesterday (Tuesday) showed that though some boutiques and retail outlets had well prepared for the annual calendar event of love, not much hype was there most likely due to the economic depression. 60 percent of men were also not aware that this year is a leap year.

Cupid with his love bow and arrows.

On the other hand, whilst Valentine’s Day may be associated with romance the origin of the holiday is not romantic and dates way back.

Even though not much is known about the real history of Saint Valentines on which the holiday is based, the legend of Saint Valentine has several telling. This is however the most famous one of how Saint Valentine became affiliated with a love focused holiday—Saint Valentine was a Roman priest who performed weddings for soldiers forbidden to marry, because of a Roman emperor law ruling that married soldiers did not make good warriors. He wore a ring with a Cupid on it, a symbol of love, which helped soldiers recognize him. The Cupid became a symbol and identity mark on greeting cards he handed out. Because of this legend, St Valentine became known as the patron saint of love.

So, in that spirit, as the world celebrates Valentine’s Day, end of day couples should not be too hard on themselves if times are hard and just say ‘it’s the thought that counts’, but above all, beyond doubt it should be a day to reflect, rekindle and let love take centre stage, not only as couples, but to friends and family as well just like what St Valentine promoted – Love.