From the start of the New Year until Feb. 14, pink and red streamers line the endless pharmacy aisles that are packed with chocolate roses, greeting cards adorned with hearts, and boxes of sweets. Are they gifts, symbols, and gestures of love, or simply the tacky products of the marketing schemes of these large companies?
Valentine’s Day, also known as “Saint Valentine’s Day” or “Feast of Saint Valentine,” is annually celebrated on Feb. 14. Not considered a national holiday, this day originated as a Christian feast day honoring Saint Valentine, a martyr. Even though it is a significant cultural celebration of romance in many regions of the world, there are relatively mixed opinions within the Upper School Community in terms of whether it should be celebrated in the first place or not.
“I appreciate how it’s a celebration for finding true love,” Jacob Julin ‘25 said.
Another GA student with a positive view of the holiday was Sanya Bandekar ‘25, who shared her favorite memory of Valentine’s Day.
“One of my favorite traditions was the bags of candies in Lower School, where everyone would bring in a special treat for the whole class,” Bandekar said.
However, the responses of other GA students were quite negative about the holiday.
“It can also be kind of sad for those who do not have a Valentine, as it is such a big deal for people to make sure they have a date,” Lucy McFadden ‘24 said.
“I think that the hype around Valentine’s Day is completely overblown,” Tyler Nolan ‘25 said.
This sentiment is shared by many members of the GA community, as well as many others, who in recent years have started to view Valentine’s Day as a marketing tactic by chocolate and holiday companies to make more money between Christmas and Easter. By running ads relating to Valentine’s Day and perpetuating the idea that everyone needs to have a Valentine, they are able to sell more teddy bears, flowers and boxes of chocolates.
Nonetheless, the meaning of Valentine’s Day still exists for certain GA students in less-traditional ways. Some student shared their view of Valentine’s Day as a day for friends instead of dates.
“I just feel like Valentine’s Day is about appreciating the people you love, and it doesn’t have to be a romantic partner. It can be your friends,” Bandekar said.
“I think that Valentine’s Day can be a fun day for you and your friends. You can do something you love with a friend that you love,” Gertie Lafferty ‘24 said.
Lafferty and Bandekar represent a different way of thinking about Valentine’s Day. Instead of focusing on the tacky red hearts, love, and dates, it should instead be a celebration of your friends and the people you love.