Addison Van Curler ‘27, Sports Editor
Valentine’s Day can mean a variety of different types of celebrations for students. Whether it is celebrating with your partner or celebrating with your friends—most commonly known as ‘Galentine’s Day’—or even just ignoring the holiday as a whole, this holiday can either bring some extra love and romance, or act as just another day on the calendar.
Valentine’s Day can be seen as a holiday for just simple appreciation of one another. Sophomore Mary Kudwa said, “I think Valentine’s Day is a day for people to show their appreciation and care, a day for connection and joy. It’s just fun to celebrate, too!” Feb. 14 is a day for people to enjoy their love towards one another. Showing your affection toward another person can mean the world to them; that is what Valentine’s Day is all about to many students. Even giving gifts as simple as flowers could show your appreciation towards the other person.
Celebrating Valentine’s Day can also bring couples closer together, and they can enjoy celebrating their relationship. Sophomore Riley Weber said, “I enjoy Valentine’s Day because it is a whole day for the people you love!” Overall, just celebrating any holiday with the people you love is amazing. Whether it’s going to a fancy restaurant, or just staying in, the effort brings the magic to the holiday. Valentine’s Day can bring a little more happiness, and it can be fun celebrating with the people you love most, especially on a love-filled holiday.
For many students this day is a day of celebration and showing appreciation for one another. However, many students can disagree. Freshmen Alessandra Sobczak said, “I do not like Valentine’s Day because it’s really only for couples, and I’m single.” It is totally understandable to not enjoy the holiday, especially because it was originally meant solely for couples. Arine Seipel from NPR talked about how Emperor Claudius II executed two men in two years, who were both named Valentine, on Feb. 14. Their martyrdom was honored by the Catholic Church, and Valentine’s Day grew to be more popular over the years.
Some may think that the origin of Valentine’s Day is odd, especially when compared to the modern version of the holiday. However, you do not always have to be in a relationship to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Manisha Sai Tulabandula from Abhibus said, “Valentine’s Day is celebrated as a time to honor love and affection in its various forms. Whether romantic, familial, or platonic, the holiday provides an occasion to express appreciation for the people who hold significance in our lives.” It can be exciting to many people to celebrate Valentine’s Day in their own form, whether it is celebrating with your ‘date’ or someone else who may be just a loved one.
On this day, many students feel not only the craved romance, but many feel an emotion of happiness. Sophomore Macy Gaylor said, “I think Valentine’s Day is fun and a necessary holiday because it is about every relationship in your life. I don’t really care to celebrate it, but I definitely think it makes some people happy, and we should keep it.” Valentine’s Day is not always about celebrating a specific relationship, instead, a lot of the time, it is fun to celebrate every relationship you might have. Whether it is your partner or even just your neighbor, it is always important to show how much you care for one another. If you care for another person, show your appreciation. You could buy simply a bouquet of flowers or even provide them with a nice dinner. Whatever you do, they will appreciate your care.
On Feb. 14, think about what Valentine’s Day means to you. Whether it is partying with your friends, your partner, or even yourself, enjoy this day. It has been proven Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean the same thing to everyone: it is up to you to decide what this holiday truly means to you, and whether or not you appreciate it as much as others do.
Lyon Life 