Kayla Wemp, Centretown News
Local basilica offers alternative Valentine’s Day cards to remind people of the holiday’s history. Think outside the heart-shaped box of chocolates this Valentine’s Day. At least that’s the message local venues are sending to Centretown residents this month.
St. Patrick’s Basilica on Nepean Street is attempting to counteract the “Hallmark holiday” by offering its own religious interpretation of the Feb. 14 celebration.
The gift shop, located in the basement of the basilica, is selling Valentine’s cards that illustrate the Christian roots of love as well as a children’s book detailing the origins of St. Valentine.
Allie MacIsaac, 24, and Carol Reaume, 29, are eager to show the Valentine’s cards displayed on a revolving wire rack.
“These are nice alternatives to the ‘Be Mine, Valentine’ cards,” Reaume says.
Reaume and MacIsaac say there are three different types of love in Christianity referred to as agape, eros and philia.
“Agape love is a foundational part of marriage in the Christian faith. It’s not just a simple attraction to another person,” says MacIsaac.
Reaume adds this type of love is reliant on charity – and not just donating money, but also devoting your time to help others.
“It’s a higher form of love that means giving up a part of yourself or something that you have for the other person to have something better in their life,” Reaume says. “That’s a more Christian understanding of love.”
The second type of love is referred to as eros, otherwise known as attraction, intimacy and passionate love.
“Knowing your own wants, desires and needs is a great foundation for self-empowerment,” says Kandace Price, an employee at Venus Envy – a “sex-positive” adult store on Bank Street. “[It] also gives you and your future partner – or partners – the option to truly explore what you want from sex.”
Philia love is Greek for “brotherly love.” The church views this as friendship or affection between friends and family, but some have a different perspective on the concept of brotherly love.
Centretown Pub, “Ottawa’s oldest gay club,” is inviting people to spend Valentine’s Day with them..
The pub offers a more inclusive environment where “everyone is welcome”.
“I think in this day and age we’re all free to love who we want,” says Bruce Davis, co-owner of Centretown Pub. “Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love so it doesn’t matter whether you’re gay or straight.”
MacIsaac, back at the basilica gift shop, laughs when asked what she will be doing for Valentine’s Day.
“Even though I was just making fun of it, I usually have my boyfriend take me out for dinner. I still like the flowers and chocolates.”