February 14th, more commonly known as Valentine’s Day, is a day dedicated to candy, flowers, and most importantly—love.
We all remember going to the grocery store and picking out Hershey’s Kisses to attach to princess or cartoon themed cards we bought to hand out to our whole elementary school class. Valentine’s Day was a day full of candy and cards from your friends and family. We all remember feeling extra special when we got a card from our secret crush (even though so did the rest of the class). Now as college students, Valentine’s Day means more than just cards and candy. February 14th is a day to commemorate love: love for a significant other, love for friends, and love for family. The whole day is really just about celebrating the joys of love, whether we have someone special in mind, or just love the idea of being in love. How did this day start? Who was Saint Valentine? Like love itself, the history behind Valentine’s Day is still somewhat of a mystery.
There are multiple stories surrounding Saint Valentine. One legend states that during the 3rd century, the Roman Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage in order to promote a stronger army of young men. However, Valentine continued to perform marriage rituals because he believed in sacred matrimony. Another version claims Valentine was imprisoned for aiding persecuted Christians. While in jail, he fell in love with the jail keeper’s daughter. Supposedly he sent her a letter before his death and signed it “From Your Valentine.” These tales may always remain legends, but we will certainly continue to enjoy romanticizing February 14th year after year. It will always be a day for Valentine’s Day cards, heart shaped candy, and love.
Today, millions of Valentine’s Day cards are sent all over the world. To some, Valentine’s Day is seen as a Christian holiday honoring Saint Valentine. But most consider Valentine’s Day a day to celebrate the joy of another’s company. No matter whom you choose to spend this Tuesday with, remember to say…
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