India’s young couples who were dismayed by the government’s decree to embrace a cow on Valentine’s Day instead of enjoying a date with their loved ones can now breathe a sigh of relief, as the order has been reversed. However, this reversal does not mean that the original idea has lost its potency. It simply would not be convenient for the government to showcase an Indian method of social control to the G20 leaders, who are known to be inquisitive.

It would be counterproductive for the government to explain the benefits of cows to India’s invited guests instead of transmitting the revered ancient traditions to the younger generation. However, what if hugging cows unwittingly fulfills Valentine’s Day’s purpose of bringing young hearts together?

The story of Valentine’s Day is complex and far removed from the ideas propagated by its opponents and supporters. In Egyptian mythology, the cow was worshipped as the goddess Hathor, and young lovers who sought her blessings were protected. Meanwhile, the conventional story of Valentine depicts him as a Christian martyr who was executed on February 14, 270 AD, by Emperor Claudius, one of the cruelest kings in the Roman lineage.

The Christian priest was imprisoned but befriended his jailer and helped him overcome a difficult situation. The priest even introduced the jailer’s daughter to the special prisoner, and on the day of his execution, he wrote a letter to the girl signed, “from your Valentine.” The preacher’s virtues earned him the order of sainthood, and he became known as St. Valentine.

It is indeed strange that of all the 365 days in a year, young hearts should only beat faster on one particular day. For several reasons, the story of Valentine may seem unworthy of being associated with the yearning of young hearts today. However, a captivating legend linked to the Christian priest brings him closer to the idea of young love in a mischievously cunning way.

Claudius’ cruel ways had completely alienated his own people, and he struggled to recruit a strong army to continue his reign of terror. He banned marriage and cracked down on young lovers, taking a page out of the book of “anti-Romeo” vigilante squads.

Valentine, on the other hand, was thrilled with the young men’s refusal to join Claudius’ army and aided them in their secret romances. The tale of Valentine’s subversive acts cannot be fully verified, but it’s a heartwarming story nonetheless.

Turning to Hathor, the cow goddess revered by the ancient Egyptians, she embodied qualities like fertility, motherhood, love, joy, music, and dance. Hathor was also associated with death, often found in tombs, welcoming the newly deceased to the afterlife. Historians and archaeologists have found that Hathor was a popular name for baby girls in ancient Egypt.

Cattle worship was common in many agrarian cultures, including China, and the Mayans even practiced ritual slaughter. However, unlike Claudius’ anti-love crackdown and Hindutva’s militant assertion about cow worship, none of these cultures ever lynched anyone for breaking these cultural norms.

It’s ironic that young love should be forbidden on all but one day of the year, and that right-wing nationalists should promote cow worship in such a narrow and divisive way. Love and cows are ancient and universal concepts, with myriad interpretations and depictions. So, let’s celebrate them all year round, in all their beautiful and quirky forms.

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