Some students at Triton feel strongly about Valentine’s Day or feel it should not be a holiday at all.
Senior Tina Gordon who won “Best Shoulder to Cry On” for the senior superlatives says,
“I think it’s a pointless holiday because if you love someone, everyday should be just like Valentine’s Day. I spent the day going to school and working.”
“It’s my least favorite holiday. I just don’t see the point of Valentine’s Day, other than the fact that there’s more chocolate in the world. I just don’t think there should be a day for it. To me, when people go out all out on Valentine’s Day, it seems like you’re trying to prove your love only on this one day,” says senior Taylor Penniman.
“I think Valentine’s Day is a wonderful holiday, and I don’t understand why people don’t like it. You can either spend it with someone you like, like a boyfriend or girlfriend, or you can spend it with family and friends, because not all love has to be romantic,” says senior Erika Siemasko.
Senior Krista Sawyer received gifts as well. “My boyfriend got me flowers and candy. My mom gave me candy and money.”
Some people such as senior Sean Hirtle and his family take Valentine’s Day seriously. “I received a big card that had two Bruins tickets in it from my girlfriend. I am very, very thankful that someone would take that much time and effort, and money in picking out something that I would really like. My mom also got me chocolate and pillows, which was thoughtful of her. I was complaining that my neck hurt last week,” said senior Sean Hirtle.

Saint Valentine was a Roman priest during the third century, under the ruling of Emperor Claudius. Emperor Claudius believed that single men were better soldiers than men who were married and with families, according to history.com. Claudius passed a law that made marriage for young men illegal. Valentine did not agree with this law and rebelled. He secretly married young couples.
When Claudius found out about Valentine’s crimes, he was imprisoned and killed. Valentine was later canonized by the Vatican for his noble actions. In the 5th century, February 14th was named his feast day by the Church to honor him.
Valentine’s Day is celebrated in several countries throughout the world, including Mexico, France, England, Australia, and the United States.
“During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of Valentine’s Day should be a day for romance,” said history.com. During the 17th century, it was normal for friends to give each other gifts, notes, or candy.
Then, the day gained popularity when the first Valentine’s Day card was believed to be sold in 1840 by Esther Howland, according to americascomealive.com. Howland is known as The Mother of the Valentine. Today, it is estimated that over one billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year. Whether or not this Valentine’s day is spent with your significant other, your best friend, or your couch, know that this holiday is historically rooted in celebrating all types of love.