By Satyne Doner, Arts & Culture Editor
As we crawl closer to Feb. 14, the closer we are to bitter singletons saying things like ‘Valentine’s Day is overrated’ or ‘love isn’t real’. But is that really the truth? Is Valentine’s Day a shallow, consumerism-driven holiday filled with nothing but candy and cookie-cutter, pre-packaged and disposable displays of love?
If you research the history behind Valentine’s Day, you will find that its past is somewhat convoluted. However, in an article by History, one Catholic legend tells the tale of Valentine, who defied Emperor Claudius II of Rome when he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine held marriages in secret and was beheaded for his actions. Truly romantic!
Fast forward to modern times, and Valentine’s Day becomes somewhat of a conundrum; people cannot decide if they love it or hate it.
“A lot of my single friends have more of a negative view towards it, while myself being in a relationship makes me have a positive outlook on it,” said Tiffany Bowden, a junior at Saint Leo University studying sports business. “I think people may not like the day because they feel sad and wish they had someone to celebrate it with.”
Valentine’s Day can create a sharp divide between the haves and the have-nots; for some, it can illicit feelings of love and excitement, and for others, dread and loneliness.
“(Valentine’s Day) is very special to my girlfriend and I because we ask each other to be valentines and it’s very romantic,” said Amanda Ulrich, a senior studying business management. “I still think we should celebrate it.”
But here is the thing about holidays and traditions- they are all personal. If you take away the social constructs telling you what you should do, then you can create a Valentine’s Day tradition that is all your own. Case and point: Galentine’s Day, an offshoot of Valentine’s Day that is typically celebrated amongst groups of gal pals!
“Valentine’s Day is just a day for me to appreciate the people I love around me,” said Bowden. “For myself, it’s just another excuse to spend time with ‘my people’ and make memories. I really cherish every second with my boyfriend and my friends, and this day allows me to do just that.”
Bowden is certainly onto something; the true meaning of Valentine’s Day is celebrating love, which comes in many forms. It does not always have to be about a significant other. It can mean spending time with family, friends, and pets. A lot of people love pizza… so take the day to celebrate pizza!
After all, in the words of the famed musical Moulin Rouge, all you need is love!
