Valentine’s Day has been celebrated through generations dating back to ancient Roman times and evolving into the celebration it is today. Some believe the holiday started as a celebration of Saint Valentine around A.D. 270, others believe that the holiday has origins in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, held in mid-February as a celebration of spring. By the middle of the 18th century, it became a common practice for couples to exchange small tokens of appreciation and handwritten notes to show affection and love for one another.
Behind the hearts, flowers, and chocolates is a long history stemming from Christian traditions. The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine, all with interesting and rich histories. One story that has stood the test of time is that of an imprisoned Saint Valentine who sent the first “valentine” to a woman he fell in love with. Before his death, it is said that he wrote her a letter signed “from your Valentine,” a phrase still used today.
Today, the holiday has evolved into more than just a celebration of love between couples, it has expanded to include friends and loved ones, as well as classmates–including those in the North Allegheny School District. Elementary schools at North Allegheny have many inclusive holiday parties for students, like the Valentine’s Day celebration where students bring in cards and treats for their fellow classmates.
“I loved being able to make all of my friends little gifts and collecting them all from everyone. It was so much fun,” said senior Jack Kantz.
At the North Allegheny senior high school, students celebrate Valentine’s Day differently than they once did in elementary school. Students have built relationships as couples and friends, making their 14th of February full of dates, dinners, parties, and exchanging of gifts.
“This year for Valentine’s Day my girlfriend Dylan and I are going out to dinner,” said senior Ben Hickel.
In recent years Valentine’s Day has adapted to include those who are single and not involved in the usual couple’s dinner dates this time of year. Galentine’s Day is a spinoff of this holiday where female friends come together to celebrate the platonic love between one another. The concept of this holiday derived from the popular comedy television show Parks and Recreation, celebrating the joy of female friendships.
“My friends and I are having a Galentine’s Day and will be making each other little heart baskets with flowers,” said senior Gabby Rush. “Because if no guy will, we will do that for each other”.
Although the holiday comes with hard-to-make dinner reservations, over-priced chocolates, and a lot of public displays of affection, Valentine’s Day is a day dedicated to spreading joy and love. Whether celebrated with family traditions, a date with a partner, a party with friends, or eating chocolates and watching romantic comedies at home, this holiday offers an abundance of activities to enjoy.
