Vday

Happy Singles Awareness Day...

I feel as if Valentine's Day is the most pointless day of the year. People spend so much time, money, and thought trying to put together perfect plans and gifts for a day that Hallmark created to make money.

Did you know that this 'holiday' is second to Christmas in gifts purchased and cards sent? That seems a little ridiculous to me.

Sunday in church, I was told the story about St. Valentine and his work in marrying couples when it was against the law to be married.

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men — his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first "valentine" greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl — who may have been his jailor's daughter — who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed "From your Valentine," an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure.

This precious story about love is often forgotten in the midst of the Hallmark holiday. I personally think Valentine's Day is more than just love for your significant other, but love for your friends, family, and everyone important in your life. It's a day to tell someone you love and appreciate them.

Not to mention watching sappy movies and making fun of them, acting hilariously bitter towards the PDA couples on the quad, and going on a date with your best friends. That's how I celebrate ;)