Traditions Then and Traditions Now
Valentine’s Day is an incredibly famous holiday celebrated around the world. It is known for its signature red roses, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, pink stuffed teddy bears, and cute cards expressing one’s love. However, today’s traditions are not as unique and new as one might think.
Valentine’s Day has shown up in history as early as the 1400s in sources like poetry. During the 1700s, it was a common Valentine’s Day Tradition to gift someone with handwritten letters or notes and small tokens. As the world progressed into the 1900s, handwritten letters quickly turned into printed cards.
Today, printed cards and store-bought items are the most commonly thought of Valentine’s Day Traditions. However, there are other less commonly thought of Valentine’s Day Traditions such as social media posts, special meals, dinner dates, or even simply staying in to watch a movie. As time continues, Valentine’s Day Traditions are sure to be changed or even be added onto, but what Valentine’s Day Traditions should continue even after Valentine’s Day has passed?
Valentine’s Day Traditions That Should Be Continued
Showing Gratitude Valentine’s Day Traditions are not limited to the cutesy, lovey-dovey traditions shared with a significant other. Many people will gift their classmates, friends, and family with cards, candy, and stuffed animals in celebration of Valentine’s Day. However, these traditions of showing gratitude for those around them should be celebrated more than on this one occasion. It is important to show those close to you that you appreciate them and care for them more often than not. This may not be a day-to-day basis for many, but a simple reminder that they mean a lot to you will be sure to keep a healthy relationship going.
Giving Affection Alongside material gifts, hugs, kisses, and other physical types of affection are also showcased as Valentine’s Day Traditions. These traditions can be given and received by friends, family, and one’s significant other. While there are people who do not prefer physical affection, these physical traditions, or similar substitutions, also show someone’s importance and the close bond that they have with you. As it is said, actions speak louder than words.
Expressing Love Expressing love is the highlight for Valentine’s Day Traditions. However, as time progresses in one’s relationships with close friends, family, or significant other, the love expressed naturally with them can become easily overlooked. Commonly, it is when one assumes that the need to express their love is not as significant because the history of the relationship continues. However, like showing gratitude, it is important to remind loved ones that they are still loved frequently. This could be through any of or a combination of different Love Languages: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch.
Self-Care Growing increasingly popular in Valentine’s Day Traditions is the importance of loving oneself. It is just as important to show and remind yourself of the gratitude, affection, and love you deserve as it is for those around you. This Valentine’s Day Tradition should be taken up as a daily reminder that you are worth every ounce of the chocolate you just ate.
Valentine’s Day Traditions Recap
When Valentine’s Day rolls around, many people are quick to buy cards, gifts, or simply put more effort into expressing their appreciation for their friends, family, or significant other. While the gestures are endearing for the holiday, Valentine’s Day should not be the only day that one expresses such emotions.