EENHANA – Namibians last Saturday joined the rest of the world in commemorating Valentine’s Day with florists and gift shops recording brisk business. However, its observation received with mixed reactions with some youths here arguing that the day had been commercialised.
Bouquets of flowers in most Eenhana shops such as PEP, Shoprite and Chinese shops sold like hot cakes with some fetching as much as N $ 50. Valentine’s Day cards sold at N $ 20 each with a parcel bag. As others were in a rush to shop for gifts, others were not bothered about Valentine’s Day but instead queried its existence.“Who is Saint Valentine? My understanding is that he was a promiscuous someone so why should I celebrate him? I do not believe in Valentine’s Day and therefore I did not buy my girlfriend anything. I can spoil her any other day but just not on this one,” fumes Patrick Nekwaya, a second year University of Namibia (Unam) student doing his nursing internship at the Eenhana District Hospital
His view seems to be echoed by a surprisingly high number of other youths, mostly young males in this town. Paulus Fikemeni, a young ICT entrepreneur from Ondobe says he was not interested in observing the day on religious grounds. “Valentine’s Day is a pagan festival that started in Rome. It was popular and called the feast of Lupercalia where women would run naked in the streets. Valentine’s had no Biblical links or Christian background despite being a commemoration of Saint Valentine’s death,” he says. He however adds that he was not compelled to celebrate it, and because of that, he made sure he was not wearing red, black or white, the colours believed to be associated with Valentine’s Day.
Labani Kaukungwa, a Welding and Metal Fabrication trainee at Eenhana Vocational Training Centre (EVTC) begs to differ. “I had to buy Ferrero Rocher chocolates, a teddy and roses for my girlfriend. I do not believe Valentine’s Day because it is just a gimmick by shop owners to raise sales in their shops and restaurants. I also know that her friends will be showing off so if I had not bought her present she would be angry,” he says.
Nonetheless, many young ladies here wore the Valentine’s Day colours. Roses were flying from Chinese shops and PEP stores to hair salons and bars from morning until midday. “I am wearing red today all because I am celebrating love and not some illuminati beliefs that people are associating this day with. Although my boyfriend is cheating with a lady that I know in Eenhana but I am not doing any ritual but simple for the sake of love. I need love and l should show it today by wearing my red dress,” said Asteria Patrick (30)
Victoria Haufiku (21) also echoed Asteria Patrick sentiments saying: “I should be forced to buy my boyfriend something as it has become a fashion and I also expect him to do likewise so I have his present in this red bag. I should have quality time with him since he is someone special to me,” she said.
A Chinese shop owner here confirmed people dropping in and ordering some flowers for their loved ones. “This year, our flowers were a bit expensive since they are plastics and stay longer but people were coming for them anyway. People were mostly impressed by our modern style of flower arrangement. We are not only selling roses but also lilies and other types,” she said