I know that most people think the 14th of February, aka Valentine's Day, is nothing more than a capitalist scheme invented to make hundreds of thousands of people spend tons of money. The hearts in pink, red, and white stapled everywhere gives them a stomach ache, as does the smell of the plastic-y chocolate in those cheap $2 heart boxes. The roses, the chocolates, the gifts are all seen as luxurious nothings given on the so-called "Day of Love" that way one significant other doesn't have to do anything for their partner for the rest of the year.
I, however, do not believe that. Now, don't get me wrong, I think it's dumb how some people treat Valentine's Day as one of the only days to show your love. I believe that you should show your love everyday because the person you love deserves that. But I do still think that Valentine's Day is important. Recently, I found the story of Saint Valentine. (Of course, this is only an idea of how Valentine's Day came to be, but I think it's how it actually happened.) A long time ago, there was a leader who banned young men from being married due to the fact that he needed more soldiers for his army. Of course this wasn't fair and one man, a priest, decided that he was going to ignore the law. The priest, Valentine, married soldiers because he believed in love. Eventually, Valentine was found out, imprisoned, and executed. Before he was executed, he befriended the blind daughter of his prison guard and eventually gave her sight. Legend says that he wrote her a note before his execution signed, "From Your Valentine." And that is how Valentine's Day was started. Again, this is only one version of how Valentine's Day came to be, but it's my favorite. I think it truly captures the essence and the meaning of love. Valentine knew that he would be killed, but he went through and united couples in love and happiness anyway. It adds a layer to Valentine's Day, it adds a depth. Valentine's Day is not just romantic love; it's familial, friendly, neighborly love. (At least, that's what I believe.) I think love is the most important thing there is, and Valentine's Day could be a wonderful holiday if we celebrate it for what it truly is: a celebration of love. Leave a Reply. |
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Musical fanatic Lover of books and all things cake-related Archives
April 2018
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