What is the purpose of Valentine’s Day? Why do we dedicate one day out of the whole year to show someone how much we love them? Why do we give our girlfriends over priced red roses and chocolates in a big, red heart shaped box?
Aside from commercialism, the reason is St. Valentine. He is a widely recognized 3rd century Roman saint commemorated on February 14th and associated since the High Middle Ages with a tradition of courtly love. Also, during the Middle Ages, it was believed that birds paired couples in mid-February. This was then associated with the romance of Valentine. Although all these legends may differ in ways, Valentine’s Day is widely recognized as a day for romance.
My boyfriend simply told me, “It’s a good time to show someone how much you love them and showering them with sugary treats and flowers.”
My best friend, Alex Kayser, said this about Valentine’s Day, “Valentine’s Day is like a dream some people have. And dreams are like lovers. They only lie in one bed at a time, and they always leave too soon. But really, I think it offers people an excuse to care about someone. For some people it’s a burden, and for others it’s a lot of fun. Ultimately I don’t think anyone really has a common understanding of what it is or should be. It’s almost like politics.”
So, whether you are into the chocolate and roses thing, or think Cupid is totally pointless and has incompetent aim, isn’t it nice to have a day dedicated to love?
