Throughout the year, there are specific festivities that differentiate the months. December is known for celebrating the birth of Jesus, June is for celebrating pride and February is the month of love.
Not all holidays are celebrated the same way. Individuals may choose what to celebrate and what not to. Valentine’s Day is coming up, and the question is: What’s the real meaning behind the holiday, and how do people really feel about it?
Feb. 14 was traditionally a day of festivals and feasting for Christians that honored Saint Valentine. He was a priest who married soldiers in secret.
As the tradition of love continued to grow throughout the centuries, people have been celebrating by gifting their loved ones with flowers, chocolates and cards.
“Valentine’s Day for me is less about dating and more about family,” said Kodie Wood, a freshman psychology major. “I really like the holiday because of the love I feel from the gifts. My dad buys all the girls in my family flowers and chocolate, so that is what makes it special for me.”
There are different expectations that come with the day of love. Women typically enjoy the meaningful expressions and personal attention brought by others, whereas men may not find it as amusing. Historical gender roles have labeled men as the providers, and labeling can give off a feeling that Valentine’s Day is more feminine.
Although the holiday represents more things typically labeled as girly, such as hearts, the color pink and flowers, men are allowed to celebrate with the ones they love too.
“I think Valentine’s Day is a good opportunity to try new date ideas with my girlfriend or do something special in honor of the holiday,” said Dominic Johns, UNK Adventure Programs coordinator.
I find the day to be very special. It’s an excuse to spoil those we love with gifts and candy. I also like to use the day to get dressed up in pink or red to spread the cheer. My family is very special to me, and getting cards and candy from them means a lot to me. I am happy that there is a holiday where celebrating love can be normalized.
As time progresses, the holiday has grown broader to where love can be shared with anyone or anything. This Feb. 14, get out of your comfort zone. The day comes once a year, and everyone should be allowed to enjoy the day with the ones they admire most.
