An Ode To Valentines Day
The History, The Romance, The Misconceptions...
by Nate LovestruckValentines day, that special day of the year where lovers across the
country celebrate their love in a barrage of chocolates and long stemmed
roses. Asking a handful of people from all walks of life, you'll get a very
mixed response of what Valentines Day actually is. For some it is a day of
passion, romance, and sentiment. The curtains drawn close, candle light
dinners and a night sweet nothings. For other's it's a day of dread and
sadness, depression and loneliness. Sitting there wondering if you'll ever
have someone to care for you again. Whichever side your on, Valentines Day
seems to have quite an impact on us.
The question is, where did it all begin? Legend has it this holiday was originally derived from a priest named Valentine in third century Rome. When the emperor decided that single men made better
soldiers then married men, he outlawed marriages. Valentine finding this new law
unwarranted went against the emperor's orders and married young couples in secret. When he was found out he was
immediately put to death on February 14th. In memory of his sacrifice we continue to celebrate our love on the last day of
his life. Odd that such a sad turn of events would insight passion, but from young
kindergarteners passing out cheap cards, this is what we have been raised to
believe.
Realizing that everyone has their own feelings towards this misconstrued date, I chose to pick my own
beliefs. I watch some of my friends sit there irritated at the idea of celebrating Valentines Day for the
sheer fact they have been burned too many times. Other's shrug it off as yet another "Hallmark
Holiday" created by the giftware companies to increase sales. Of course all these interpretations are fair, and easily
believed if you choose to do so.
I like to think otherwise.
I myself have decided that if nothing else Valentines Day is a good excuse to let the people you love know it. Single, in a relationship or married, why pass up a chance to make the people you love feel special. Sending a e-card, a single rose or writing a poem, people love to be thought of now and then. Be original, creative and fun and you'll get the desired response. Whatever Valentines Day means to you embrace it, don't fight it. We don't have nearly enough excuses to spoil the people we
care about, why give up a opportunity such as this. Smile, relax and have fun with it, the people around you will appreciate it in the end.
Valentines Gift Idea:
