Be My Valentine
One day a year couples around the world rejoice in their love and celebrate their affection for one another. As February begins, the aura of romance enters, often unannounced and but never unexpected. Long before this romantic month commences, couples are bombarded with “hints” that February 14th, Valentine’s Day, is approaching. With such visually stimulating symbols, it may be difficult to distinguish true affection from the commercialized “love” that the holiday industry is selling. To what extent is Valentine’s Day founded in genuine adoration?
Valentine’s Day is deeply rooted in love; for centuries people have associated the month of February with courtship. The premise of the day has remained constant, yet there is a noticeable difference in the methods of communicating such feelings of devotion. Poems have been exchanged for e-cards, a dance between lovers traded for dinner and a movie, and a small token of affection replaced by jewelry, flowers and confectionery. I agree that as time and technology advance, society does also. But at what point does this shift allow for classic romance to be discarded and commerciality to advance?
I remember a previous Valentine’s Day with my high school boyfriend. We collectively decided that it was unnecessary to buy each other something; we were more concerned with spending the evening in each other’s company. When he arrived at my door with flowers and a small gift in hand, I was thrilled. Now, when I said I didn’t want anything I meant it; a present seemed frivolous in my mind. Yet the gift he presented, a sentiment of his affection, was received with great happiness. I am certain that many couples are familiar with this experience. Stores are satiated with cards and gift ideas that express sentiments of love difficult to resist. If you have a loved one, why avoid these preordained tokens? In truth, many people cannot. Over a billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year, according to the U.S. Greeting Card Association, making it the second highest card-giving holiday behind Christmas.
It is argued that the people are taken advantage of during February. The industry has made it near impossible to escape the hype of the coming romantic holiday. But the undeniable interest indicates consumer demand; the industry would not thrive if none existed. Yes, this romantic holiday is becoming overly commercial, evolving from its once timeless origin, but perhaps it is only offering what it is asked of by consumers.
-Lauren Pigozzo
