This is February, a month synonymous with unbridled display of love and affection. The seven days of Valentine’s week comprise Rose Day (February 7), Propose Day (February 8), Chocolate Day (February 9), Teddy Day (February 10), Promise Day (February 11), Hug Day (February 12), Kiss Day (February 13), and Valentine’s Day (February 14).
Valentine’s Day, also called Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, originated as a Christian feast day at the end of the fifth century, in honour of a matyr named Valentine. Many centuries later, the day has become a significant, symbolic, cultural, religious and commercial celebration of love, romance and friendship, every year and in many regions of the world. Exchange of flowers, especially roses, chocolates, cakes, cards and other gifts, between spouse to spouse, partner to partner, friend to friend, parent to child, student to teacher, and vice versa is very common. Beyond the love, warmth, fun, and gifts that characterise Valentine’s Day, a look into the significance of these items is apt.
A rose is a woody perennial flowering plant belonging to the family, Rosaceae. There are over 300 species, and Rosa abyssinica is the only one native to Africa. The beauty of roses, their cultural significance, and association with special occasions, all contribute to their appeal as the symbol of love and affection. According to Greek mythology, Aphrodite’s (the goddess of love and fertility) beauty was so great that roses sprang up wherever she walked. Perfumes have also been made from rose oil (a mixture of volatile essential oils obtained by steam distillation of the crushed petals of roses). Rose water is used for culinary purposes, cosmetics, medicines and religious practices, while rose hips, which are high in vitamin C, are edible raw, and are occasionally brewed for tea, or made into syrup, jam and soup.
Other ornamental plants that can be grown for their flowers in outdoor and indoor gardens include Hibiscus plant (Hibiscus sabdariffa), Purple orchids (Orchis mascula), Sunflowers (Helianthus species), Lilies (Lilium species), Tulips (Tulipa gesneriana), Daffodils (Narcissus species), Crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii), and Golden dewdrops (Duranta erecta). Their flowers are not only visually striking, but also hold cultural significance and contribute to the ecological balance of Nigeria. Chocolate got its name from the Aztec word “xocolatl”, which means “bitter water”. Its history dates back to over 4,000 years ago in ancient Mesoamerica, present day Mexico, where the first cocoa plants were found. Originally, chocolate was served as a bitter drink, mixed with spices. It was believed to be an aphrodisiac (a substance which increases libido, sexual desire, sexual attraction, sexual pleasure, or sexual behaviour), and an energy booster.
As time went by, it was sweetened, and extra ingredients added to make it more palatable, and presented in various forms, as we know it today. Asides being a delectable treat, with its smooth, creamy flavour, and how it melts in the mouth, chocolate has some health benefits. The health benefits of dark chocolate (70-80% cocoa) are derived from its two constituents, epicatechin and theobromine. Epicatechin is a flavonoid, a compound found in plants that fight inflammation and protect against cell damage caused by free radicals (antioxidant). Theobromine, on the other hand, is a chemical closely related to caffeine, which has been shown to have beneficial effects on the heart, such as lowering blood pressure, and reducing the risk of clotting, thus lowering the risks of stroke, and death due to heart disease.
A bite of dark chocolate is not only good for the heart, but may also improve brain function and cognition, mood and body metabolism, while reducing stress and the risk of diabetes. Dark chocolate is also a good source of iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese, essential minerals needed by females, especially during their reproductive years. Dark chocolate should, however, be taken in moderation, as there may be side effects such as sleeplessness, skin allergies, stomach problems, and may lead to obesity. World Chocolate Day is celebrated yearly on July 7, to commemorate the introduction of chocolate to Europe in 1550. Although cocoa originated in the Americas, West African countries, particularly Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, are the first and second leading producers of cocoa globally in this 21st century. Nigeria is the third largest producer, and added together, these three countries account for over 60% of cocoa production in the world.
Though cocoa is a leading agricultural export of Nigeria, the production of chocolate is not as much of a thing as it should be. In 2019, the International Cocoa Association estimated the value of cocoa export from Africa at USD10 billion yearly, and the total value of chocolate production at over USD100 billion. Even if one has not been to Switzerland, one would probably have or hope to taste Swiss chocolate. It is on this basis that the chocolate industry in Nigeria needs to strive to have its fair share of the ever-growing global chocolate market. Sharing beautifully-decorated cakes is also very common during this period. The cake, symbolising the sweetness of love and life, takes various forms, from heart-shaped classics to mind-blowing creations. The act of cutting and sharing the cake with loved ones also symbolises sharing happiness and good fortune. The basic ingredients for baking a cake such as flour, eggs, fat (usually butter), sugar, salt, a form of liquid (usually milk), and leavening agents (such as baking soda) are mainly agricultural products.
In recent times, there has been an astronomical increase in their prices due to increased cost of production, transportation, and importation. Nigeria relies heavily on imported sugar and wheat, which are subject to fluctuations in global prices and exchange rates. The weakening of the Nigerian Naira against major currencies, has led to higher import costs, which translates into higher prices of goods and commodities. Just this month, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, of the Federal High Court in Lagos State, ordered the Federal Government of Nigeria to fix the prices of milk, flour, salt, sugar, and some other products. It is hoped that this judicial pronouncement will bring some form of respite. Did you know that when we give and receive gifts, it evokes positive emotions, and certain chemicals are released in our brain? We experience a release of dopamine, oxytocin, endorphins, and serotonin, a combination often referred to as “feel-good hormones”.
These hormones help promote happiness and pleasure, while reducing depression and anxiety. Dopamine makes the pupils dilate, a sign that is often associated with love and attraction. Oxytocin (the cuddle hormone or love hormone) is released when people or pets snuggle up or bond socially. It has been linked to trust, empathy and generosity. Endorphins are released during pleasurable activities such as exercise, massage, eating and sexual intercourse. They help relieve pain, reduce stress and improve the sense of well-being. Serotonin, which is produced in the intestines and brain, helps send messages between nerve cells, and affects mood, emotions, and digestion. The levels of these hormones in the body can be given a natural boost by engaging in fulfilling activities that leave a smile on the face. Playing with pets or teddies, hugging or kissing a loved one, often creates a feeling of calmness and relaxation while meditating, exercising, kind words written in cards, and eating a good diet also improve the mood.
Pineapple, bananas, plums, berries, nuts and seeds, contain high amounts of tryptophan, an amino acid, which is converted into serotonin in the body, giving a natural mood boost. A 2016 meta-analysis found that fruit and vegetable intake was highly associated with improved mental health. Hmmmmmm, how about including a basket of fruits for a loved one? The red colour of Valentine’s Day symbolises the blood of those, who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, while the white colour symbolises purity and innocence. Agriculture and love truly connects. As the second stanza of the Nigerian national anthem states “Oh God of creation … in love and honesty to grow, and living just and true …”; and a Yoruba proverb states “Yara kekere gba ogun ore, ti ife ba wa laarin won”. Literally means, little is much in love, and with love, a lot of things can be done. Let love be shared in our hearts!
Dr. Adenubi, an Associate Professor and Veterinarian, is a columnist with FarmingFarmersFarms, bukiadenubi@gmail.com, +2348025409691
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