World Marriage Day is observed every year on the second Sunday of February, and this year it has fallen on Feb. 12. The day was created to honor married couples and their lifelong faithfulness toward each other, especially when things are rocky.

It is said that the institution of marriage was introduced for a number of reasons ranging from the overall societal good and mutual joy to the procreation of children. And it continues to serve a purpose, despite the commitment of naysayers breaking with the tradition in modern society.

The day, which came into being in 1983 in the U.S., was popularized by the Catholic Church for lawfully wedded couples to profess their love for each other. The Worldwide Marriage Encounter was also behind the creation of the day, intending to highlight the values of the blissful communion between two adults.

The proclamation of this day is traced back to 1981 when married couples in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, appealed to the city's Mayor to declare Valentine's Day as We Believe In Marriage Day. The event turned out to be a success, following which the National Leadership of Worldwide Marriage Encounter took it upon themselves to celebrate the day every year.

If you are wondering how to celebrate this World Marriage Day, here are some quotes to send to the love of your life. (Courtesy: Reader's Digest and Wedding Forward)

  • "In terms of my marriage, you know, falling in love with my husband was by far the best thing that's ever happened to me." - Caroline Kennedy
  • "A happy marriage is a long conversation which always seems too short." - Andre Maurois
  • "My husband has made me laugh. Wiped my tears. Hugged me tight. Watched me succeed. Seen me fail. Kept me strong. My husband is a promise that I will have a friend forever." - Unknown
  • "Marriages are like fingerprints; each one is different and each one is beautiful." - Maggie Reyes
  • "Marriage is the alliance of two people, one of whom never remembers birthdays and the other who never forgets them." - Ogden Nash
  • "We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly." - Sam Keen
Seated couple snuggling
Priscilla Du Preez/Pixabay