What’s the Big Deal About Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day–  a day for romance and love.
Ever since grade school, we were taught about the day, encouraged to make valentines,  and share candy.  In high school,  some still exchange cards, while others are hopeful that they’ll receive a piece of chocolate when going to class.

On February 14th, chocolates, gifts, and flowers are exchanged between loved ones worldwide.  The day originated centuries ago, after Saint Valentine was imprisoned and executed for marrying Christian couples in Rome.  Legend tells that St. Valentine was the first to sign a card “From your Valentine,” to a young girl he fell in love with.  However, many different versions of the story of St. Valentine have been told, so we’ll never really know what happened back in 270 AD.

Come the 18th century, V-day celebrations spread to the US, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom,  France, and Australia.  People actively traded tokens of their love and crafted hand-made notes. With time, the day February 14th has become associated with romance, a day for lovers and friends to celebrate.  

Billions of dollars are spent on gifts each year and people feast upon fancy dinners. As the hype about Valentine’s Day increases  year after year, people plan romantic gestures for the date.  An estimated one billion Valentine cards are sent each year. In addition, around 6 million couples are likely to get engaged (or at least proposed to) on February 14th.

However, a proposal might not be the most common among students.  Nevertheless, there are plenty of other things going on.  In the busy city of Chicago, there are a lot of things to do. Events taking place Valentine’s Day weekend include the Cupid Run, a show at the Botanic Garden,  and the Chinese New Year Parade in Chinatown.

Despite the normal cheer and feelings of love that the holiday expects to bring, some despise the holiday; even those who have a Valentine still may dislike the day.  Francisco Valtierra ‘17 says “Valentine’s Day is overrated. My girlfriend and I don’t like to celebrate it.”  Many hate the day, whether single or taken.  Perhaps romantic gestures shouldn’t have to feel mandatory.  For others, the day brings about desperation and loneliness.  Contrastingly, there are positive outlooks on the day by those who remain single. “Even though I don’t have a date this year, I have great friends who I love and would be happy to be my Valentine. I’m planning on celebrating Galentine’s day,” says Isabel An ‘17.

It’s not wrong to spend the day casually.  Amy Huske ‘18 says “My goal for Valentine’s day this year is to get as much candy as I can from my friends.  Who needs a Valentine when you have chocolate?”  Perhaps the best part of V-day then, is candy on clearout sales beginning on the 15th.  

So, whatever your plans are,  have a happy Valentine’s Day,

From your Valentine.