By Betsy Pray
Staff Writer
Guess what day it is?
As an unofficial holiday, sandwiched between the holiday season and the start of spring, Valentine’s Day is commonly seen as a day consisting of cards, flowers, romantic comedies and plenty of chocolate.
According to official Valentine’s Day statistics from statisticsbrain.com, Americans spend an average of $13 billion on Valentine’s Day. Businesses in the flower or card industry thrive during this time, with more than 145 million cards purchased and more than 200 million roses sold, according to data from CNN.
The day has also been endorsed by the entertainment industry through several movies whose plot revolves around the holiday, such as 2010’s romantic comedy “Valentine’s Day.” Television stations often air romantic movies, aiming to reflect the theme of the day and attract an audience.
This year, ABC Family even has a movie countdown campaign fixated on the holiday, called “14 Days of Hotties.”
Through the hundreds of Valentine’s-based commercials, sales and products fighting for people’s attention, it can be easy to forget the real themes and messages behind the holiday. In the St. Bonaventure community, people’s opinions focused on how the commercialism of the holiday has skewed its true meaning.
Nicole Albright, a first-year graduate student in adolescent education, emphasized the point that Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be the only day for people to express love toward each other.
“I feel like Valentine’s Day is just an excuse for people to celebrate how they feel about each other,” Albright said. “You should be able to just celebrate every single day.”
Julianne Wallace, associate director of faith formation, worship and ministry at University Ministries, expressed her opinion about the true meaning of Valentine’s Day.
“With all the consumerism and commercialism of our society, now it’s more than about being in love, having a boyfriend or girlfriend.” Wallace said.
Junior business management major Rachael Herrmann also shared her thoughts about how the true meaning of the day has been diverted.
“Valentine’s Day has become a holiday so focused on celebrating the love between couples,” Herrmann said. “When really, shouldn’t it be seen as a day to celebrate all the people in our lives who we love; friends, family and maybe even pets?”
The emphasis on couples during this time has become so overwhelming that an alternative name, “Singles Awareness Day,” has come into play. There are numerous articles and websites emblazoned with the name as a way to spread awareness and acknowledge those people who do not have a significant other on Valentine’s Day.
Wallace offered a different way to look at Valentine’s Day.
“It’s a nice time to recognize the different ways love is expressed in your life and how you can express love to others in your life,” Wallace said. “Instead of worrying about if we have a partner or being lonely, it’s much better to come at it from the perspective of love and love for others and loving yourself.”
