Valentine’s day has always been a day people either hate or love, but what is the history behind this holiday? Emperor Claudius II executed two men, both of them named Valentine on February 14th. Their death was honored by the Catholic Church with the celebration of Valentine’s Day. It wasn’t a romantic holiday until Shakespear and other famous writers started romanticizing this holiday. Chaucer was the first man to link this day to love-at the time of his writing in the 14th-century. February 14th was considered the start of spring in Britain because it was the start of the bird’s mating season, therefore it was seen as a perfect day for the show of affection.
As Valentine’s Day starts approaching, the world around us starts turning pink and red with bouquets of roses, boxes of chocolates and dinners under candle light. For many it’s a day of the celebration of love and connections they have, while for others it’s a reminder of the longing and loneliness they face in the struggles of relationships or just another normal fleeting day.
But truly how is Valentine’s Day viewed by others? Walking through the Triton High school, Triton Voice asked students to share their views on this loving holiday.
Even in this holiday filled with love, there are many people who may not want to hear about it or participate because they are “missing” their half.
“I don’t really see it as important, mostly because I don’t have valentines,”
said Beckham Zizza, a senior.
Zizza then went on to state that in his view, Valentine’s day is just a day to celebrate couples and anyone who has someone, but for those who are lonely it’s just “a stupid holiday.” It’s quite true your own life can reflect off what you say and feel.
“I think it’s a lot less special,” Said Adam White. “When we were younger we would give out cards and play games. It was a lot more special but now that I’m older and don’t have a girlfriend-…” he trailed off. Seeming as if perspective changes as you grow, before from something sweet and friendly onto the focus for a partner.
Michelle Arias, a Freshman, commented more on those shifting perspectives, saying, “For the younger people I feel it’s more friendship between each other, it’s more like ‘hey, I appreciate you as a friend,’ it’s not really romantic yet.” It’s as if there is a pressure for finding a partner as you grow, taking away the simplicity and joy of the holiday, creating resentment or apathy.
Even those who don’t have anyone will still feel for the holiday. It has feelings floating all around, getting to see couples together, gifts being given, and growing hopes.
“I like it for the people who are married and have someone.” Though she may not exactly like it for herself, she is happy for those who enjoy the day with others and share their love. It happens often, looking in from the outside and wishing for something you don’t yet have.
Even so, there are people who don’t just view it for the “special someone” part of the holiday or as a needed day to love someone. Everybody views this holiday differently. Many others, including Desiray Martinez, expressed this sentiment.
“I think it’s a very positive and expressive holiday to show your love for anybody, it doesn’t have to be specifically a significant other,” she said, believing that anyone can show affection to those they care for the most. It’s a lovely holiday she has loved and been excited for since being a kid, and even as to now she still looks forward to it. It’s exciting, truly, not having changed views or having negative feelings.
“I love valentines day, It’s actually one of my favorite holidays” stated Madison January, waiting to spend the day with the people she loves. The meaning of this holiday can differ depending on the person, for January she expressed her perfect valentines day as spending time with someone she loves, whether it’s a significant other or her family around her.
“I don’t think you need a specific day to love your partner,” said CJ Weisenstein, a junior. Weisenstein spoke carefully about valentines, explaining that she neither likes nor hates the holiday. It’s definitely a great excuse to go out, and give out gifts, a way to have fun and enjoy. Not only that but loving the color pink that seems to be everywhere you go—the appealing color of love other than red.
After speaking about what she does like she spoke about what she doesn’t like about the holiday. The marketing. “The history behind this holiday was clouded with consumerism and standards when it should just be a day you show your love”.
Seeing the holiday from the different aspects, she believes something simple, a small dinner, a flower is more efficient than the large expectations people carry of what to do on the holiday. “Advertisements hold Valentines to a very specific standard,” said Martinez.
On February 14th, Valentine’s day is romantic, and lovey, but also remember it’s not just about couples. For those who hate valentines, the pink and red, know love has many forms, like loving a friend, sibling, a pet, a family member. It’s not just about what you can give and having a “special someone,” but being with those who you appreciate, or even yourself.