Every year, for one day, the symbol of love and affection is celebrated all around the world. Valentine’s Day is set apart to remind people that love is still out there, even if it isn’t romantic love. Chocolate, candy hearts, stuffed bears and roses are the well-known symbols of Valentine’s Day. It may be seen as a “silly” holiday, but the day of love reminds people to show actions of love and kindness over words.
According to the Society of American Florists, more than 250 million roses are produced for Valentine’s Day — with red roses making up nearly two-thirds of that number. Most every girl’s dream is to receive flowers from their special love, so … think about taking the time to join the club and add to that 250 million roses for your girl. If that’s not your thing, go get the box of chocolates. Or help your child set up the perfect box to take to school. Write that appreciation note out of true love. Send someone a box of Sweethearts candy. Whatever it is, it’s not silly.
All of these things can be done for someone you are romantically interested in or it could be for a friend. Either way, each and every person deserves to receive some love on the day of love. As humans it is one thing we need. We are hardwired to want to feel love or be loved. So what better way to make someone’s day with something everyone needs than on Valentine’s Day?
While the meaning behind Valentine’s Day can be practiced every day, the story of how it was introduced comes partly from a lovely winged boy whose name everyone correlates to the day of love. Cupid, a Roman god, was based off of the Greek God Eros. Cupid or Eros, had the well-known bow and arrow that if fired at a person, would fill that person with uncontrollable desire.
Now with the idea of Cupid, and an English holiday, St. Valentine’s Day turned into a day surrounding not only romance and intimacy, but selfless love. Geoffrey Chaucer’s poem, Parliament of Fowls, set the path for courtly love, lovers presenting flowers, offering confectionery, sending greeting cards known as valentines, and other traditions known today, Stella Tsolakidou wrote in her article, “Ancient Greek Influences on St. Valentine’s Day.”
Chaucer’s poem, in fact, sets upon one of the oldest dilemmas in world history: how to find success in love. Chaucer did not give the answer, but he did put in motion many ways to try to grab hold of that purpose of Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to help everyone have what it is that so many want, which is love.
So even if there is no romantic partner, actions of friendly intimacy and kindness can always be shown on Valentine’s Day. Take the time on February 14 to show your friends, family and partners that you care by spending time with them, taking them to dinner or giving a gift. It’s not silly; it’s love.
– by Ari Hurdsman
Feature artwork courtesy of Ottilie G. (K) Escalante.
Ari Hurdsman – Junction
Ari Hurdsman is a junior journalist at the Byway. She just recently moved to Ephraim, Utah, where she is a freshman at Snow College. She enjoys writing about Piute sports, and she’s really good at it! In her free time, she enjoys singing, dancing, reading and hanging out with friends and family.
Read more about the history and traditions of Valentine’s Day in Valentine’s … But Why? by Ella Hughes.