In our exceedingly commercialized world, it’s hard to remember a lot of holidays we celebrate are based from rich, often religious, backgrounds. For the day of love, there actually isn’t a distinct origin it can be traced back to. There is speculation on where Valentine’s Day came from and it’s a rather dark story that makes you question how we came from it to a day where we celebrate love.
Ancient Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia, in which the men of society sacrificed dogs and goats and then proceeded to whip the women of the society with their hides. The women were happy to participate in this odd, demeaning ritual because they believe it would make them fertile. This is the oldest trace of Valentine’s Day since it took place from Feb. 13-15.
Later, Emperor Claudius II executed two men, both named Valentine, on Feb. 14 in two different years of the third century AD. At the end of the fifth century, Pope Gelasius declared Feb. 14 St. Valentine’s Day. The Catholic Church honors their martyrdom with the religious celebration of Valentine’s Day.
Written valentines started making an appearance after the 1400s. The oldest dated valentine in existence comes as a heartfelt poem written by the Duke of Orleans to his wife after he was imprisoned in 1415. Americans first started exchanging valentines with each other in the 1700s. Ester A. Howland, also known as “Mother of Valentine” sold the first mass-produced Valentines in America.
In a more statistical point of view, Wallethub realized 2018’s expectant costs of Valentine’s Day is staggering. Americans will spend a total of $19.6 billion in total and an average of $143.56 each to shower their sweethearts with flowers, jewelry or candy, the top three items for this holiday. Wallethub also released a list of the best places to celebrate Valentine’s Day and San Francisco tops the list. No cities in Utah are on the list, unfortunately. Approximately 9 million proposals are made on Valentine’s Day each year.
It seems there is a whole lot of love to go around each year and around the world despite the disturbing origins of the holiday, but when did it become more about the things you buy then the person you love? Of course, there is nothing wrong with spoiling your loved one with a bouquet or their favorite chocolates — pampering is always good and healthy. It’s crucial to remember, however, that the premise and importance of Valentine’s Day goes beyond the objects.
For all those other single people out there, fear not. There is a holiday just for you: Galentine’s Day. Originating from the show “Parks and Recreation,” Galentine’s is celebrated on the night of Feb. 13 and encourages singles (and those in a relationship) alike to celebrate the day of love platonically with their closest friends.
There are many things you can for Galentine’s Day, even if you missed the “official” holiday. You can throw a low-key party at home, decorate and make snacks. You can go out to a bar with your pals and celebrate responsibly. If you’re someone who would rather spend the holiday alone, you can have a pamper night, attend a movie and go out to dinner or perhaps the best option, have a romantic movie marathon and eat comfort food.
Another popular saying from “Parks and Recreation” is “Treat Yo’self” and that is something that should be advocated every day of the year, but especially on Valentine’s Day. Pick up your favorite food or stop by Lush and pick up some bath goodies and a cheesy romance novel from Barnes and Noble. Take yourself to the record store or your favorite clothing store.
Bottom line, do whatever makes you happy this Valentine’s Day. Because you deserve to be loved, whether that is from someone else or yourself.
@The_Chrony
