The Observer, February 9, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 16
One Foot Out the Door: Valentine's Day, a holiday for all students
There is no clear answer as to how Valentine's Day got started. Some believe it is the anniversary to commemorate St. Valentine who, in the third century, married couples against Roman Empire orders to keep men single for battle. He was eventually jailed by the Emperor, and while he was there, he began passing love notes to the daughter of the jailer, signing each one "Yours, Valentine." Other stories tell it as a form of Christian politicking to capitalize on the Pagan holiday, Lupercalia, that celebrates fertility and the beginning of the crop season. Regardless of its origin, there are a few reasons I find this to be our best annual tradition.
1. Everyone can do it. More so than Christmas, everyone can celebrate Valenetine's Day. Don't have a Valentine? That's OK. It is appropriate, and even encouraged that you do something with a good friend or set of friends. You set this precedent back in first grade with inexpensive cards and candy, and now are maturing to the more expensive equivalents.
2. Getting away from Case. While eating out may put a dent in the check book, at least it gives a good excuse to get off the beaten path of The Village and Mather Quad. Who knows, you might venture off-campus and find something you like.
3. Using trite compliments. I think this is the one day you get away with lame one-line compliments. My favorite: "You're one in a million." I wonder if anyone thought that out and realized it could be rephrased, "There are 6000 others like you..."
4. You can be anti-Valentine's Day. With almost every other annual tradition, it doesn't quite work: Anti-Christmas? No. Anti-Birthday? No, not really. Anti-St. Patrick's Day? Nope. But anti-Valentine's Day? Yes. Absolutely. And you're not alone. There are entire parties organized for such a gathering. While there are a few of us who have found our better halves and want to spend the evening with them, the rest of us feel quite good about not limiting our love to one person.
Regardless of your relationship status next week, there is a lot to look forward to about Valentine's Day.
