Hunter Harper
Contributing Writer
Although Valentine’s Day is a known holiday that occurs every year on Feb. 14th, North Central College students have their own opinion on whether or not Valentine’s Day should be recognized as an official holiday.
Valentine’s Day dates back to the 5th century and is named for a Christian martyr. It also has origins in the Roman holiday Lupercalia, which is a very ancient Roman festival observed on Feb. 13th through the 15th to prevent evil spirits and purify the city.
Now, instead of freeing evil spirits, loved ones come together to exchange cards, gifts and love on one particular day of the year. Some students from North Central College have their own view on this glorified holiday.
“I personally think Valentine’s Day is great and it’s especially a great excuse for married couples with children to get out of the house for the night and enjoy a nice dinner,” said senior Cassie Sperry, “I think women’s expectations differ individually. I’m single and I celebrate Valentine’s Day with my ladies. It’s a day spent to be with your loved ones, no matter who it is.”
The true meaning of Valentine’s Day has faded and has become mainly about the material goods and beauty that comes with the holiday. It has become a huge deal for people in a relationship, but has this holiday been taken too far?
“I don’t see anything wrong with Valentine’s Day. Though, if you ask anyone if they know its origins, I would doubt any would know. I don’t even know. What is for sure, is how commercialized the holiday has become,” said senior Cornelius Donley, “I don’t have anything against the idea of a day that couples make sure to spend more time with one another. If either is expecting material goods, I think their expectations are too high. The day should just be about two people reminding each other that they do truly care for one another.”
Sometimes, though, it really depends on how sentimental or romantic a person is at heart. Some may walk through the aisles of Wal-Mart and love the idea of finding something special for their special someone, but some may roll their eyes and feel Valentine’s Day is a bit exaggerated.
“I think it’s a bit overrated because there is really no true reason that it is a holiday. I think men’s expectations are higher than women’s because they are expected to go all out and do something cute for their girlfriends,” said senior Sarah Hayes, “I don’t think it is wasted though because it gives couples a day to express their feelings if they don’t normally do so. I like Valentine’s Day. But that’s probably because I’ve had a boyfriend. If I didn’t have a significant other, I probably wouldn’t enjoy it as much.”
Hallmark stores live off Valentine’s Day. This is one of the days where they reel in the most money. Whether it’s young love or a longtime love, Valentine’s Day has been commercialized in a way to entice the public.
“I think that it is a false pretense and just another way for stores to make money, but after all the attention and recognition Valentine’s Day has gotten the last few decades, the holiday has really blown up,” said sophomore Victoria Alvarez. “Overall though, I do believe that it is a made up holiday that women made up to receive unnecessary attention from men.”
Women like to feel special. Although the saying “diamonds are a girl’s best friend” may be true, that’s not what Valentine’s Day is about. Financial issues get in the way and love is overlooked with expectations that are too high.
“My girlfriend and I both think it’s a pointless holiday,” said sophomore Billy Gleaves, “In my opinion it’s a good opportunity to get a girl chocolate and flowers and maybe go out for dinner. But all the commercials about getting diamonds and stuff seem pretty dumb. That might just be because I’m broke though.”
So whether you spend the day as single and with your friends or with your significant other, Valentine’s Day is a day to be spent with the ones you love. You don’t have to be rich to show the ones you love that you truly care for them. Love is priceless and can be shown in many ways.
