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Valentine’s Day is a day filled with romance and heart-shaped chocolate for some and a day to showcase love for friends and family for others.
To some people, however, it may feel like just another regular day.
According to History.com, Valentine’s Day originated from a Roman Festival called Lupercalia that was held in mid-February.
“The festival was meant to celebrate the coming of spring in which women were paired off with men by a lottery system,” the site said.
Valentine’s Day is also known to be associated with an actual saint, St. Valentine.
According to Encyclopædia Britannica, three different saints are recognized for this by the Catholic Church.
One legend says St. Valentine was a priest who performed secret marriages for young lovers after it was outlawed for young soldiers to get married.
It was believed that married men were ineffective in war.
Today, Valentine’s Day is often celebrated by the exchanging of gifts between couples.
These gifts often include flowers, chocolates, stuffed animals or jewelry.
These couples may also go out for a romantic dinner at a fancy restaurant.
The holiday can also be a romantic time for couples to get engaged.
This holiday doesn’t just have to be for couples, though.
Valentine’s Day can also be a time for people to express their love to someone they have always had a crush on and be their “secret admirer.”
The type of love expressed to others doesn’t always have to romantic love.
Some people use the holiday to show their affection towards their friends and family.
“I’ve always enjoyed sending my friends and family well wishes on this special day,” senior Kim Morris said.
According to National Today, Galentine’s Day, usually Feb. 13, is a tradition that acknowledges the impact of friendships
“Going out to brunch is a common Galentine’s tradition,” as stated by National Today.
Just as people celebrate Valentine’s Day in different ways, they also have different feelings about the holiday.
Some people feel like it is a good day to show affection to those they love.
“In my opinion, Valentine’s Day is a chance to remind those close to you how much they mean to you,” Morris said.
For those who are single, it may be a painful reminder due to all the public displays of affection.
Others may feel like the holiday has become over-commercialized.
According to timeanddate.com, the holiday is often associated with particular symbols and colors.
These symbols include red and pink hearts, cupid’s arrows, flowers and embracing couples.
Leading up to the holiday, stores advertise discounted offers on candy and cards.
“Planned Valentine’s Day sales in the United States were expected to reach approximately 27.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2020. This is an increase of 6.7 billion dollars in sales from 2019,” Statista said.
With all this spending, the holiday is sometimes viewed as just another commercial event.
According to Market Watch, fewer people are participating in traditional holiday events.
People are more commonly choosing to use holidays like Valentine’s Day as time to either spend it with family and friends or to treat themselves instead.
“Some couples might also save money by having a lowkey night and staying in and watching a movie,” Market Watch said.
Elizabethtown College students often participate in Valentine’s traditions by showing their affection for friends and loved ones.
“At Elizabethtown College, it is fun to specifically send and receive goodies [in] one’s mailbox,” Morris said.
To get students in the holiday spirit, the College Store held an “I Love Etown” Sale Feb. 12 from 9 to 5 with 25 percent off gifts, clothing and logo items.
Students could choose from a small selection of cards and chocolates for their loved ones.
So, no matter what is in store for you next Valentine’s day, make sure to show your loved ones you care because at the end of the day, everyone deserves to feel loved!
