Who’s Valentine?

On February 14, Valentine’s Day is celebrated by some but is despised by others. It’s a holiday where you show extra appreciation and love to your girlfriend, boyfriend, husband, wife, crush, or someone you have a special something with. For those who may not be at that stage yet, or possibly had a bump in the road in the relationship, not all of the love for that holiday may be present. Of course, there are no specific requirements how one must celebrate Valentine’s Day, but people have the perception that you must be in some sort of relationship status in order to properly celebrate or be included in the holiday. Teddy bears, chocolates, flowers, red and pink, jewelry with hearts and diamonds, they’re all the spotlight of the matter. While these gestures are not only thoughtful, but they also bring substance to the holiday as well.

Traditionally, Valentine’s Day is a way to express affection towards that special someone. Valentine’s Day originated from an old Roman festival, which signified the start of their springtime. The term “valentine” is defined as“a sweetheart chosen or complimented on Valentine’s Day, a gift or greeting sent or given to a sweetheart, especially a greeting card on this day.” (Merriam Webster) Throughout the entire existence of the holiday, the act of giving a simple card has now escalated to other acts. People take each other out for dinner, a movie date, or purchase expensive top-notch gifts. Of course, there are those who like to take the more comfy-cozy route. They have a pajama party with their significant other and watch chick-flicks or they may go on a simple, but meaningful, picnic. Alexis Garcia (12) was posed the question on whether or not he believes that Valentine’s Day should be a considered a holiday. He responded, “It shouldn’t be because giving gifts to people you love should be every day, at least a hug or nice words.”

Brandon Keller (11) was asked the same question, and his response was, “It should not be considered a holiday because everybody should be loved everyday. The fact that we have a day for loving people seems like a total marketing scheme, but discounted chocolate is always cool. This may be an unpopular opinion, but we unfortunately can’t get rid of it now that it’s become such a huge holiday, but I don’t think it ever should have been created in the first place. So I guess I’ll just keep up the annual tradition of spending money on others.” Sara Shaver (11) stated, “I think it’s a good holiday! I don’t see why so many people hate it. I’m super single but I’m happy for all the celebrating couples around me, and it’s an excuse to buy myself chocolate! I just wish that people in relationships show love to each other everyday, not just for a holiday.”

The differing opinions from the different perspectives regarding the holiday are what makes Valentine’s raises the question whether it should be treated as something important or just recognized and not one to be fully celebrated. Of course, creating a change on the holiday or getting rid of it altogether is a completely different topic, but when relating it to the central topic, “Why is Valentine’s Day a Thing?” I think that it is all rooted back to the opinions and take on it from people. The holiday is a matter of how you interpret it, how you feel about it, and the way you act upon it.

Photo By: Rebel Seed Cidery