Why do we celebrate such a holiday?
By:D.J. Wirth
What is the big deal with Valentine’s Day? Why do we celebrate it every February?
Is it because we want to or because we feel we have to? In many cases, the only reason Valentine’s Day is actually celebrated is because there is a feeling of obligation.
Furthermore, how many people even know why we celebrate Valentine’s Day in the first place? I eagerly sought to answer this question.
The Internet is a beautiful thing and within a few seconds of my search, I was able to find a comprehensive history of Valentine’s Day on HistoryChannel.com.
There actually are a few different stories that are believed to hold the real beginning of Valentine’s Day.
One story involves a priest in the third century named Valentine who would perform marriages in secret, despite orders from Emperor Claudius to cease. His actions eventually led to his ordered death.
Another tale suggests that Valentine was actually the first to ever send a Valentine greeting. While imprisoned, Valentine had fallen in love with a girl who would visit him often.
He wrote her a letter before she died and signed it "From Your Valentine."
Despite what these legends may say, the true beginning to the holiday was in the year 498, when Pope Gelasius declared that Feb. 14 would be celebrated as Valentine’s Day.
So now that you have been brought up on your history lesson, there is still the question of what makes us celebrate.
It seems that for many people, Valentine’s Day is not a holiday where love is expressed, but instead, an obligation and a hassle. This many times leads to the mad scramble to find a last-minute gift for that special someone.
I experienced this firsthand when I attempted to contact local floral shops to get some information on their Valentine’s Day sales. Both of the shops that I had called were so busy, they were unable to provide any information for me, and this was Tuesday afternoon.
Is this to say that everyone who celebrates Valentine’s Day does it only because they have to? I believe that is certainly not the case at all.
Many people enjoy getting their spouses or loved ones gifts just because they want to. Valentine’s Day is just a special day to show your love and appreciation to other people.
For the first time in a few years, I am faced with the problem of what to get that special someone. Do I feel obligated in any way? I would be lying if I said no, but I also am doing it because I want to.
So this Valentine’s Day, don’t give gifts because you have to, give them because you want to. Maybe this year, you can even share the history of Valentine’s Day and this article with a loved one.
D.J. Wirth is a senior at Bordentown Regional High School who is interning until June at the Register-News.