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Valentine's Day not only an occasion for lovers

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Valentine's Day, western tradition dictates, is a time to acknowledge appreciation for loved ones. Over the centuries, the sentiment has been embraced by most cultures and celebrated as a time of sharing, caring and giving.

The history of the occasion is shrouded in mystery, although it is generally accepted that a Roman pagan festival lies at the roots. In the Roman calendar, the middle of the shortest month of the year - February 14 - was a time in early spring when birds began to pair and mate.

Less easy to pin down, though, is who St Valentine was. Depending on the church and text involved, he could have been one of three people. All were martyred and love played a part in their capture, imprisonment or death.

One St Valentine is celebrated for writing a note of love to his jailers' daughter before being executed. The day became synonymous with love letters and poetry.

Whatever the truth, there is no argument that Valentine's Day has evolved into a commercial phenomenon.

Worldwide, billions of dollars of flowers, chocolate and gifts will be exchanged today. Telephone companies will make similar figures in long-distance calls and internet servers will hum with a flood of e-mails expressing love and hope.

In an era where globalisation is drawing the world's people closer, yet international ambitions and nationalism are also dividing nations, Valentine's Day is also an increasingly relevant occasion for leaders to speak of peace. Rarely can an event be called upon to so appropriately be used as a platform from which to urge racial harmony.

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