To truly understand Valentine’s Day and its movement toward the shallow existence it holds today, one must understand its roots. So this article begins with a story. A tale passed down from generation to generation, with the sole purpose to unveil St. Valentine’s legacy.
The Origins of Valentine’s Day
The legend begins in the north of Rome, around the end of the third century. Emperor Claudius II had just outlawed the practice of Christianity. However, some religious sects remained in tact, dedicated to the spread of the Gospels. One member of such groups was the Bishop of Amelia, named Valentine of Terni. He was young, and shared his faith profusely. He married couples, performed the sacrament of reconciliation, and taught the gospels.
However, he became jailed after professing his faith too publicly. His days in incarceration did little to deter him though. He taught the good news to fellow inmates and even soldiers. One guard was so moved by his devotion that he brought his blind daughter to him. Whether as a test of Valentine’s God or as a testament to his own conversion, he asked Valentine to cure her. He restored her vision and the soldier and daughter were convinced of God’s love. According to some accounts, Valentine fell in love and began sending letters to the soldier’s daughter. This is supposedly where the tradition of heart-felt love letters began. Beautiful.
Modern Celebrations
Fast-forward to the 21st century and St. Valentine’s Day retains the romantic atmosphere of its roots. WRONG! Valentine’s Day, as modern Americans celebrate it, has become a barren shadow of its former self, a wasteland of apathy and laziness.
Valentine’s Day has adopted a consumerist culture where the exchange of money for chocolate or silly Hallmark cards warrants praise. Because of the cheapness and convenience of these cards, partners rely on others’ words to express their own love. What better way to communicate your love for your partner than to buy a card for $2.99 at Walmart that says “You’re the fish to my sea” when the only thing you’ve written is a half-legible scribble that resembles a name. Also, what does “You’re the fish to my sea” even mean?!
It’s also lovely when a couple, who rarely engages in public acts of affection, openly express their love with a romantic Snapchat story. In my opinion, the best way of expressing love isn’t committing yourself to doing small acts of kindness for your partner. It’s not noticing and appreciating the minor details of her character that makes you smile. It’s not even reminding the other of your love for them through your actions and words. No. The greatest act of love is to find two pictures in your camera roll and take five seconds to write the caption: “You’re the fish to my sea. Love you.”
However, some redemption is achieved when a big teddy bear appears at your front door. Wait, its got a price tag; it cost $11.99. The unwritten message that accompanies this stuffed animal is: “You’re worth a trip to the grocery store but not a face to face encounter.” But wait, there’s a card! Darn, another Hallmark note. Thanks babe!
Valentine’s Day has evolved, for better or worse, from the celebration of a saint who cherished love into a celebration of cheap paper with words, chocolate, and teddy bears. Valentine’s Day does hold a good reminder to cherish your loved ones, whether that’s your partner, family, friends, or pet goldfish. Love them wholly, and express that love throughout the year because human life isn’t infinite. So love everyone while it lasts. Happy Valentine’s Day.