With February 14th fast approaching and the pressure of Valentine’s Day plans on everyone’s mind, it is easy to be weighted down under stress. But before you go out and drop a twenty to buy those heart-shaped chocolates and celebrate this forced day of ‘love’, maybe the dark side of Valentine’s Day should be able to shine through.
While there has been much speculation around the celebration of Valentine’s Day, we don’t know the real origin story. The most recognized retelling is about one of three Saints named Valentine (two of whom died on the same day, years apart according to legend) who all died somewhat in the name of love. It’s complicated, but essentially all three martyrs died for what they thought was right within the Catholic church. But during this period the Romans also celebrated Lupercalia, a celebration not reminiscent of the cutesy Valentines boxes made in elementary schools. Lupercalia was banned by Pope Gelasius, seeing it as “un-Christian”, and replaced it with Valentine’s Day set for February 14th. (History.com). Then, guess who picked it up? None other than the lovely King Henry VIII, famed for loving all of his six wives and definitely didn’t invent divorce. The King made the 14th an official national holiday for Great Britain in 1537. Afterwards the hagglers of England, who saw a new opportunity, started selling the first commercial valentines. Of course this business made it over to the new world, which is why we celebrate Valentine’s Day here and around most of the world.
Fast forward to modern day, where those who were once hagglers are now jewelers and florists. And as with many holidays, a once cheerful toast to loved ones quickly became the new artificial ideal. Where the nature of Valentine’s Day has become more superficial over the years, with prices spent on gifts rising each year. Buyers worry with how much monetary value is placed into a gift rather than a more cost effective solution, scared with how it would be perceived to go the cheaper route, even if that’s what the receiver truly wants. Valentine’s Day can be a good reminder to appreciate your loved ones, however, it has turned into this day full of expensive chocolate and more often than not, disappointment based on an unrealistic reality or folding under the pressure of how a gift would be appreciated.
Prices skyrocket solely on the fact that wrapping is sold in pink and red, and climbing every year. Social pressure and growing online presence has welcomed judgement open for anyone’s plans for the day, causing unnecessary stress to create a perfect day that beats everyone else’s. Single people get called out even more than they already do, by the aunties of the world, for merely choosing to be by themselves.
Even worse than all of this, according to a 2010-2011 study conducted by Facebook, the greatest amount of couples breaking up happens right after Valentine’s day every year. Most commonly this “slump” tends to go from the last days of February to right before spring break begins. It is believed that the break-ups, usually seen in newer relationships, are caused right after Valentine’s day simply because it is a sort of Spring cleaning. The Facebook profiles used in the data collection was largely made up of college students, many of whom saw a pattern coinciding with vacations. Simply put, people didn’t want to have a significant other when going home to see their families; Valentine’s day just triggered the thought of “is this going to last forever” in their minds.
However, there is always an upside to the masses drinking the capitalism kool-aid. As soon as Valentine’s Day hits a close, the prices associated with the holiday drop. Anything you can think of in the front isles of any drug store is surely down to half price before the sun comes up. As long as you know where to look, you could be living off of cheap Russell Stover chocolates until St. Patrick’s Day. Just remember, in the hustle and bustle of the season, don’t forget what is really important (and it’s not the chocolate).
