The essence of Valentine’s Day is best captured in the story of its namesake, Saint Valentine — a priest who secretly married couples despite Emperor Claudius Gothicus’s decree forbidding young men from marrying so they could be sent to war. Defying the emperor’s orders, Saint Valentine was eventually executed. At its core, this is what Valentine’s Day is about: loving fearlessly, no matter the circumstances.
Today, Valentine’s Day is often associated with gifts — love letters, bouquets of flowers, chocolates and teddy bears. While some view these traditions as overly commercialized, the act of giving is ultimately about expressing care.
“Some people that oppose consumerism say that [Valentine’s Day] was created by greeting card companies and companies that sell chocolates and flowers,” said junior Sevara Saidova. “But if you think about it like that, then any other holiday where you give gifts, like Christmas, [can be considered consumerist].”
Besides, the significance of a gift is not the amount of money that is spent, but the thought behind it. Senior Jeremy Lim highlights the importance of paying attention to one’s partner and friends, emanating the core of Valentine’s of caring and showing appreciation for their loved ones.
“When you’re in a relationship and [your partner] sees something they really like, you remember that,” Lim said. “[My girlfriend and I] were shopping at Target together, and she [said] she really liked these candles, so I’m planning on getting her that … She’s also been sending me videos of people making their own bouquet of flowers, so it would be cool to buy some of her favorite flowers and put in the effort to actually make a bouquet, versus just buying a normal bouquet.”
Valentine’s Day has also evolved to be more inclusive. Historically, mainstream portrayals of the holiday have been very heteronormative, with advertisements consisting of the “ideal” heterosexual couple and Hallmark cards that assume pronouns and stereotypes. However, as societal norms shift, so does the recognition of diverse relationships. While there is still progress to be made, the growing acceptance of queer relationships helps redefine Valentine’s Day as a celebration of love in all its forms.
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show appreciation not only to one’s partner but also to one’s friends. Galentine’s Day, Valentine’s new sister holiday, is celebrated a day earlier than Valentine’s Day on Feb. 13. Originated in 2010 from the show “Parks and Recreation,” it’s all about celebrating female friendships, and can be an alternative to Valentine’s Day for single girls. Some girls plan activities with their friends to decorate cookies, have brunch, make tote bags or have a tea party. Overall, it celebrates a great day of not just romantic love, but platonic love.
“[My friends and I] are either going to be getting together for a meal or make some type of arts and crafts, which is a common theme at Galentine’s,” Saidova said.
Valentine’s Day is a wonderful holiday. Although it may seem like an over-commercialized holiday to the misanthropic and cynical viewer, its heart lies in showing love and care for loved ones.
