Valentine’s
Day has many loves, many sides
Jenna McDaniel
Sincerity,
I would have to say, is one of the characteristics
in a personality I value most. Sincerity
goes right along with compassion and
love, two more words that can be associated
with the widely established holiday full
of red roses, sweet chocolates and cuddly
stuffed animals — Valentine’s
Day.
Valentine’s Day is here and many people are thinking about how to celebrate.
Valentine’s Day can bring out much resentment in many people. For all
of those who aren’t a couple, this day can be referred to as “S.A.D.,” Single’s
Awareness Day. For those of us who are a couple, it can bring on a lot of pressure
to show how much we care for our significant other.
Whether you plan on sitting by yourself in a dark room and eating the entire
contents of a heart-shaped See’s candy box and then setting fire to the
thing, or becoming one with the box and sharing the calories with another person,
Valentine’s Day can be something more than a singles vs. couples day.
Hallmark, See’s, Kay Jewelers and countless other companies all contribute
to commercializing Valentine’s Day. The over-the-top advertising, including
euphorically high women receiving diamonds and couples gushing over one another
during a softly candle-lit dinner, causes people to focus on the commercialism
and profitability of this day rather than the message.
So then what is the message of Valentine’s Day?
According to The History Channel Web site, Valentine’s Day is associated
with St.Valentine. The Web site explains three stories dating back to ancient
Roman times.
In the first story, St. Valentine was a priest who secretly performed marriages
when the Roman emperor forbade it. In the second story, St.Valentine helped
Christians escape from Roman prisons where they were tortured. In the last
story, St. Valentine is a prisoner himself.
While in prison he falls in love with a woman, to whom he writes a love letter
signed “your Valentine,” a phrase very commonly used today.
Regardless of the legend you choose to believe, the theme that flows through
them all is the sincere expression of compassion and love.
Valentine’s Day can bring up some scary words, specifically the “L” word.
Love has very different meanings to different people. Though the diversity
of the definition makes using the word complicated, it allows for us to take
advantage of it on a day like Valentine’s Day.
You love your friends, parents and significant others in different ways. This
is what should be celebrated. It is a time to show how much we care for all
the special people in our lives.
A special someone does not necessarily have to be limited to a boyfriend, girlfriend,
husband or wife. Friends, parents, roommates and even pets can all be the special
somebody we share this holiday with.
Valentine’s Day does not have to be a day where we burn holes in our
already extremely low student bank accounts. Sentimental things do not always
have to be purchased. Sometimes a simple gesture, a letter or a handmade gift
can make a person feel very special.
Guys, I know this might not be your strong point, but take a deep breath, reach
deep inside and find a little Martha Stewart. Or just call your mom; she will
have good ideas, too.
So, let go of the resentment you might have bottled up for this gushy romantic
holiday. It is only as romantic as you want to make it.
Undoubtedly you are going to have your box of chocolates and I know there is
more than just one piece. Share the rest with a special someone or multiple
people. Sincerely show them how much they mean to you on this day of love and
compassion.
Jenna McDaniel is a sophomore art major. |
