By Liam Reilly
@liampreilly852
Holidays. They’re a special day of the year meant to celebrate something special. For example, Thanksgiving is used to celebrate the things in our lives that we’re thankful for, while on the Fourth of July the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Valentine’s Day is another holiday celebrated, but is its meaning as clear as the others?
Why Valentine’s Day was first created is unknown, but it’s been held on Feb. 14th since the 16th century. The day is meant to represent love in any kind of relationship, but has recently shifted toward focusing on romance.
Couples have been using Valentine’s Day as a means to show their appreciation for each other. Partners often give each other bouquets of flowers, their favorite candy and other thoughtful ideas. All of these gifts are accompanied by a small card that contains a heartfelt message. Romance has taken over the holiday to the point where red and pink hearts have become its symbol.
This has caused society to be divided about the holiday. Those with relationships look forward to showering their partner with affection, those who are single dread the day and the sense of loneliness it brings – and then there’s the third party of people who see it just as another day.
But does it just have to strictly be about couples? The answer is no. Valentine’s Day should be seen as a day to appreciate any kind of relationship. There are several families that’ll give each other gifts to convey their affection. Students in younger grades are encouraged to make valentine cards.
Valentine’s Day has had an effect on Springfield College, as there have been many events. Conversations about dating apps and how to treat yourself better were held and even Campus Activities Board had a bingo night dedicated to Valentine’s Day. Hrishikesh Lamichhane and Kushal Bhandari, two junior year students, spoke on what the day means to them.
“For me it’s a day to celebrate love but it has to be more than your love partner or crush,” Bhandari said. “I think it should be more of a celebration of friendship, any type of relationship you have with another person or even a day to love yourself.”
“Every day should feel like Valentine’s Day. For me this Valentine’s Day I’m going to be there for my friends and express my love to my family,” Lammichane said. “It’s also important to understand the differences between what love should feel like versus what we think love is.”
Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be celebrating romance. Senior year student Julian Ellington recognized this and suggested other ways to commemorate the day.
“It’s another excuse to buy things and show appreciation to those around you,” Ellington said. “When you get older it’s expected that you use it as an excuse to show appreciation to your partner, but it doesn’t have to be restricted to that. You can share Valentine’s Day gifts with your parents or even when you’re younger the whole class gives each other candy or trinkets.”
A possible reason for why Valentine’s Day is concentrated on romance could be related to commercialization. The holiday started as exchanging cards with special messages in them, but now expensive jewelry and other pricey gifts have become the standard. Last year $25.9 billion was spent on Valentine’s Day.
It’s unfortunate to say that commercialization has taken over Valentine’s day. What once started as cards and love notes has devolved into another marketing opportunity for companies to advertise their products. Companies that sell flowers or chocolate see their biggest profit come from the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day. Social expectations have also played a role in this, as partners feel they have to spend big to display their love.
Regardless of what your relationship status is, anybody can celebrate Valentine’s Day. Your appreciation and affection can be shown to your friends and family, your romantic partner or even yourself.
Photo courtesy: Iconfinder