Valentine’s Day is a holiday observed February 14th each year, dating back to the 5th century. The Catholic Church recognizes three saints’ names Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. Although each legend is a bit tricky to trace down, each speak of the Valentine’s as a sympathetic, heroic, and obviously romantic figure. By the middle ages, Valentine had become one of the most popular Saints in England and France. Whether it be Valentine’s Day is celebrated to commence the anniversary of Valentine’s death, or a decision made by the Christian Church, it was not until much later that the day became definitively associated with love. Now it’s not likely that February rolls around and our generation is interested in the history of the holiday. So let’s take a look at Valentine’s Day, as we have grown up to know it.
Childhood (The
good ole days):
Back when mom and dad gave you a V-day
present of some type of candy or stuffed animal that you were always
happy to
receive. Valentine’s Day in elementary school was always a holiday to
look
forward to. Yes, we would still have to go to school, but your class
usually
had a party, and any type of excuse to not do school work was fine by
us. You went to the drug store with your parents the night before the
class V-day
card exchange, and made sure you picked out the absolute best set of
cards to
give to your classmates. From Scooby Doo to Power Puff Girls, the
possibilities
seemed endless. If you got really into it, you even taped the Valentines
to a
box of those candy “be-mine” hearts (which we now know are not tasty at
all).
Most of the card packs came with a few bigger V-day cards, forcing you
to
decide which of your friends were worthy of receiving the “better
valentines”.
Either way, exchanging cards and candy at school was always exciting,
and it
was nice to go home at the end of the day with a paper bag full of
goodies.
If only February 14th always remained so easy.
Teens:
Now that you’re at a stage in life where you have your first
boyfriend or girlfriend, Valentine’s Day sparks a whole new meaning. Whether it
be a box of chocolates or teddy bear, you worryingly contemplate what to do to
surprise your boo. Both of you are also likely broke, and will spend Valentine’s
dinner at the local pizza place. It’s just all around awkward, but being a
teenager usually is.
Twenties:
How one feels about Valentine’s Day now tells a lot about
them. You may be in a great relationship and are excited to have a lovely
evening with your significant other. It’s just one day out of the year where
you can show your appreciation for each other and enjoy some quality time,
whether it be a fancy dinner or some type of neat excursion you don’t typically
do. Or, you may be in a relationship and dread Valentine’s Day. Maybe you
really can’t afford to spend a lot of money on the holiday, or you feel like
the holiday has become a competition. You already have your person, why do you
have to live up to all of these crazy things in today’s society to prove that you
love and care about your relationship. Or, you entirely despise Valentine’s
Day, and everything about it. Your love life blows and you plan on getting
shmammered at the bar with your single friends. Every sappy Instagram picture of
an “omg I love my bf” calls for another shot.
There you have it. Valentine’s Day from then to now. Have a happy holiday <3 XOXO
