VALENTINE’S DAY IS NOT JUST FOR COUPLES
ALEXIS POLLARD
PRIDE STAFF WRITER
Heart-shaped candy boxes, pink and red roses, cards and ever-present love songs on the radio serve as reminders of the upcoming date Feb. 14, better known as Valentine’s Day. The sudden abundance of Hallmark sentiments and mass-market romance presents a misleading interpretation of the holiday: that everyone needs a Valentine or significant other in order to enjoy and appreciate this day for lovers. However, since its origination, celebrations and meanings behind Valentine’s Day are constantly evolving. If you find yourself single this Valentine’s Day, maybe it’s time to re-define the way you celebrate love.
The modern observance of Valentine’s Day, which often includes fancy restaurant dinners and heart-shaped jewelry, has changed drastically since its ancient origin. According to History.com, Valentine’s Day began in Rome under dreary social conditions during the rule of Emperor Claudius II. Legend states that Claudius outlawed marriage in order to raise a powerful army of unattached young soldiers. In retaliation, a courageous priest named Valentine performed secret marriages for lovers.
The month of February signaled a time for fertility and purification to the ancient Romans. In these times, women were the object of superstitious ceremonies rather than celebrated as romantic partners. The Roman men sacrificed goats, and boys roamed the streets slapping women with strips of hide in order to encourage fertility. In addition to the hide slapping, women put their names in a lottery to be paired with a man.
Fortunately, secretive marriages, hide slapping and pairing lotteries no longer mark the celebration of Valentine’s Day, and people are free to tailor their celebrations to match their individual views of the holiday. The predictable dinner and a movie, flowers, candy and gift exchanges present couples with some ideas for Valentine’s Day, but what about those currently out of a relationship? For singles, the absence of a romantic valentine may contribute to a day filled with pessimistic cynicism. However, there are many possibilities for an enjoyable day if singles change their perspective. Generosity, kindness and love can be openly and vastly expressed to friends and family.
If Facebook love quizzes and Cupid’s arrow can’t generate romance, get creative! Activities to inspire love and show care on Valentine’s Day include time spent making homemade cards for family and friends, leaving encouraging post-it notes for roommates, volunteering time and making a donation to charity. Cards, whether homemade or store-bought, don’t have to be traditionally romantic, but thoughtful messages to loved ones.
The University Village Apartments offers other ways to give gifts. “We have candy grams and Valentine’s for Veterans to honor and support U.S. military members and veterans,” UVA staff member Bowie Tintle said.
Whether the gifts or thoughts of Valentine’s Day cause excitement, dread or indifference, expression of love doesn’t have to be thrown in a negative light by those who scorn the holiday. As Ashton Kutcher said in the film “Valentine’s Day,” “Love is the only shocking act left on the planet.” So celebrate all forms of love this Valentine’s Day and enjoy the company of those you hold dear.