Valentine’s Day has been a long-standing tradition evolving from both Christian and pagan cultures. There are many legends behind the start of the holiday. The Catholic Church often supports one myth of St. Valentine, who wrote a love note to a girl while in prison. On the note, he signed, “From your Valentine.” This expression is still used today on many cards and has become a tradition to say. The pagan culture celebrated a day called Lupercalia, which was a fertility festival on Feb. 15. Many theorize that St. Valentine’s Day was placed near the pagan festival for competition. Eventually, the pagan celebration was banned and St. Valentine’s Day became the popular holiday to celebrate in the name of love.
By the 19th century, this romantic expression had become a common trend for one to give little notes of affection to their friends and loved ones. In modern times, the holiday has become a successful event for card companies. According to the Greeting Card Association, “an estimated 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year, making Valentine’s Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year.” The idea of gift-giving and dinner dates did not come with the holiday until much later. Richard Cadbury, a British chocolate maker, is credited with the creation of the red Valentine box in 1868. Slowly, the popularity of proving your love through flowers, chocolates and stuffed animals became popular gifts for the holiday.
With so many holidays becoming such an economical jackpot for the various businesses that provide these tokens of affection and the media constantly sending unrealistic fantasies of romantic display, Valentine’s Day can be a stressful time for many. If one happens to be in a relationship, the pressure to find the perfect gift and create a romantic date with your partner can cause unnecessary anxiety. If one happens to be single during the holiday, it is easy to shun the day altogether as if there is something wrong in not being in a couple.
There are many emotions that Valentine’s Day brings out. Each individual may experience a wide variety of feelings, such as happiness, sadness, envy and love. Because of the differing views, this day causes a divide between the single and the taken. Yet, many often forget that Valentine’s Day is not only meant to be a time to share with a partner; Valentine’s Day should be used as a day to remind friends and loved ones of the appreciation and affection of one another. If you are single on this day, remember that there are others who love you.
Many women who find themselves single on the day show a bitter distaste towards the celebration by mocking those participating. Although there can be a disappointment, one needs to keep in mind that we are only college students. We will have many years to share our love with future partners. Instead of revolting from Valentine’s Day today, celebrate your love for others by spending the night out with other single friends.
With Valentine’s Day comes a large amount of expectation placed upon the man to create a romantic atmosphere. In fact, the U.S. Census reports, “53 percent of women in America would dump their boyfriend if they did not get them anything for Valentine’s Day.” Sometimes the pressure for men to perform to a certain standard can cause a large amount of stress. If the date does not go as smoothly as planned, remember that Valentine’s Day should not be the only time to show love.
Valentine’s Day can be a wonderful time where the cold winter months are lightened with love and warmth. Although many title the holiday as, “Singles Awareness Day,” try to keep an optimistic outlook, since relationships are not the only important factor to a life of happiness. Remember to share your love with not only your partner, but with family members and friends, as they should be important people in your life as well. There will be many more years where we can express our love through this holiday. Instead of showing disappointment in being single or placing a high amount of expectation, enjoy the time shared together and embrace the holiday spirit.
— Samantha Trueheart is a sophomore in communications. She can be reached at struehea@utk.edu.
