Bouquets of red roses, bags of heart-shaped chocolates and fluffy teddy bears can only point to one holiday: Valentine’s Day.
Although some may dread the holiday, Valentine's Day is a celebration of both platonic and romantic love. Britannica claims the origins of Valentine's Day are “vague at best,” but its first celebration was the ancient Roman festival Lupercalia. The festival was believed to be a “fertility rite” and paired women and men via a lottery system.
Some of the first valentines were created in the 1500s and later introduced to the U.S. in the mid-19th century. The holiday’s traditional symbols include hearts, birds and Cupid, the Roman god of love, due to the “avian mating season” starting in February.
What originated as a ritualistic event to find love has flourished into a day in which relationships and friendships are also recognized. Northwestern University states 51.6% of people commemorate the day with a partner; however, 43.3% celebrate with family and friends, implementing a more “inclusive holiday.”
Maecy Voytek, a sophomore studying hearing, speech and language science, said although they have never celebrated with a significant other, Valentine's Day allows them to express an appreciation for loved ones.
“I use it as another Thanksgiving (and) another appreciation day to show my love for basically anyone that I have any sort of love for in my life,” Voytek said.
Voytek said their plans for the day include going out to dinner with friends at Nelson Court or Ginger Asian Kitchen on 28 S. Court St. and gifting friendship bracelets, sketches and letters to others.
Forbes shared some of the best valentines gifts, ranging from edible arrangements to romantic poems or books to a nice “Maine lobster dinner.” Despite these fun ideas, some couples believe quality time is the most valuable gift of all.
Maya Weber, a freshman studying sociology criminology, is in a long distance relationship with her boyfriend of one year and said she cherishes relaxing moments with him.
“I think my favorite thing to do with him is to just go on a drive, go get food and just hang out,” Weber said. “That is kind of what a lot of our hangouts look like, just doing nothing, but doing nothing together and it's always fun.”
Weber said she plans to drive to Columbus for a quick visit on Valentine’s Day to deliver a homemade card, candy and flowers.
“It is nice having that experience of being with a partner and having someone to actually be your Valentine,” Weber said. “I love celebrating love.”
With a plethora of restaurants and cafes on Court Street, Athens inspires couples to find a special spot, enjoy the holiday and make unforgettable memories.
“I am a big foodie, so then I force her into being a foodie,” Hollis Sturgill, a junior studying exercise physiology pre-physical therapy, said about her girlfriend. “We are always going out and eating at different coffee shops and different food places.”
Sturgill’s girlfriend, Caitlyn Conklin, a senior studying environmental science and sustainability, said although she enjoys a latte and sandwich from Brenen’s Coffee Cafe, she is excited to see what Sturgill has in store for their Valentine's Day activities in Columbus.
“I never got flowers or anything … (and) did not do too much fun stuff, so I am excited to actually have a day planned,” Conklin said.
Sturgill and Conklin met through the women’s club rugby team in 2023, and this year will be their first Valentine’s Day spent as a couple. Sturgill said she has always loved the holiday but looks forward to this year’s plans which include an Italian-style dinner and shopping.
“I feel like one of my bigger love languages is gift giving and so Valentine's Day has always been pretty important,” Sturgill said. “I think I am probably most excited for this Valentine's Day out of all of them in the past.”
No matter how the holiday is spent, singles and people in relationships need to remember the importance of self-love. Voytek said the holiday allows individuals to relax and focus on self-care, especially for those feeling lonely.
“If you have friends that are all taken and you are by yourself, take a day for yourself,” Voytek said. “Use Valentine’s Day as a way to recuperate and do things you really love.”
