Today it is known as one of America's greatest expenditures- spending upwards of $20 billion annually. However, the holiday was once a day of writing letters of love by hand, professing your love.
The story of Valentine's Day is not known by many. I didn't actually know it until I read it myself for this article. But it basically goes as follows:
When Roman Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage to keep soldiers unwedded, Valentine, a priest at the time, defied him and continued to marry men in secret. He was sentenced to death and put into a prison. While imprisoned, Valentine fell in love with a jailor's daughter. He wrote her a letter professing his love and signed it "From Your Valentine." These were supposedly his last words.
It is now considered a national holiday but its roots are in Christianity. It was named a Christian holiday by Pope Gelasius in the 5th century. Some say it is in mid-February to commemorate Saint Valentine's death, while others say the date was chosen in hopes to "Christianize" a pagan holiday.
So that's where Valentine's Day began.
Now, it is a Hallmark holiday that makes billions of dollars each year.
Over 200 million flower bouquets are purchased each year for Valentine's day.
Approximately $5 billion was spent on jewelry.
Approximately $2 billion was spent on chocolates and other treats.
Approximately 90% of participants buy their Valentine's day cards- spending roughly $12 billion.
Valentine's Day was founded on the simple idea of telling someone you love them. You don't need to buy the biggest bouquet or a diamond necklace. The day should be about your love. Nowadays people are buying cards with prewritten messages and generic images. There is no more personalization and heartfelt thoughts.
Today girls are comparing their boyfriend's gifts to others and flashing them on Snapchat and Instagram. The holiday lost its honesty and it is now a game of "who's boyfriend is better." February 14th has the power to make girls cry of loneliness and boys cry at an empty wallet. On average, a male between 20-35 will spend $100 on Valentine's Day. Obviously, not everyone has that kind of money, I mean I sure as hell don't, but if a man is going to splurge on any day it is Valentine's Day and her birthday.
Some girls believe her boyfriends love for her is directly correlated to his Valentine's Day gifts. God forbid he forgets! If he tells you he loves you consistently throughout the year and treats you the way you deserve, why does one day matter more than the others?
For Saint Valentine, all he wanted was for his woman to know that he loved her before he died. Life is too short to save your love for Valentine's Day. You never know when your last day will be, so tell your loved one how much they matter to you every day. Valentine's Day should just be the day that you reiterate that love, not profess it.
It's not easy being single on Valentine's Day. It is just another reminder that you do have a significant other. Checking social media will just hurt you more, but then again you're curious to see what people are doing. But trust me, it's not a good idea. Just remind yourself that it's just one day full of PDA. It seems like the whole world is madly in love but really, there are more single's out there than you realize.
To the girlfriends or wives out there: Don't be materialistic this holiday. Remember the purpose of Valentine's Day. Love . Also, don't forget to give him something too. This holiday is far too often all about the girl.
To the boyfriends or husbands out there: Do as you wish with your expenditures. Maybe instead of running to the drug store, write a note this year. It's far more personal and will mean more than any old card.
To all the single's out there: Don't go on social media unless you are prepared to roll your eyes or be jealous. Just remember that being single can be a blessing. Have a Galentine's night in or whatever it is boys do together.. videogames?
To all the people who have a thing with someone but not an actual relationship: A card is safe. I'd go generic as to not seem too eager to date.. unless you want to. Maybe forego the jewelry. Flowers are safe.
Saint Valentine would probably be disappointed to see his name attached to such a Hallmark holiday. He probably would have wanted to see hand-holding, freshly picked flowers and a handwritten letter- not store-bought chocolates, a card made by a stranger and excessive photo opportunities. Money doesn't prove love. Gifts don't prove love. The word love does not mean love unless it comes from the heart. The best way to prove your love is through actions and words- not gifts. Not on Valentine's Day or any day.
Don't get me wrong, buying your significant other a gift is great! It's an additional way to show that you care. But it shouldn't require a holiday. Too many people say that Valentine's Day is the only day they receive flowers. Why not give your girlfriend flowers in June or October? Why does there have to be a designated day to treat your significant other?
Any moment could be your last. Don't wait until Valentine's Day to tell someone how much they mean to you. Tell them now. Tell them tomorrow. Tell them every day. That is what Saint Valentine was all about. He wanted people to get married to prove their commitment, even when the government disapproved. He wanted to make sure his woman knew that he loved her before he died.
If you really want to celebrate Saint Valentine- tell your loved one's how much they mean to you every single day. Don't make Valentine's Day all about the chocolate and flowers. Make it about a day to celebrate your love.
