Tuesday, February 07, 2006

a glorious day

Just to let you know...Valentine's Day goes way back, before Hallmark existed. I'm a bit surprised at how many people are becoming skeptical about the day itself. It's true that some people think its over-hyped and over-important. I wonder why so many people take it so personally that lots of people actually enjoy that day. I think it should be respected as a great day to celebrate love. I remember always looking forward to it, through elementary school. I loved the little bag that we decorated, and waiting for it to be filled with little candies and notes from other classmates. My mom used to give me little bears for valentines day (really small) and I always thought they were special.

So the day itself. It became more popular in the 1700's but the history that brought it about goes further back than that. Read about it on this website:

http://www.historychannel.com/exhibits/valentine/?page=history

I'm not necessarily absolutely nuts about the day, I just think it should be given more respect. I think people are just upset that they have to wait a whole year until Christmas rolls around again.

5 comments:

Zach and Ann said...

I'm with you my brotha! I am surprised as well. I mean for someone who has been single for the last 24 valentine's days, I know there are times when you don't look forward to the day because of the reminder to you that you are single (not that there aren't other reasons not to like it, or that only single people don't like it), but if those people are honest with themselves, they are the ones that are going to be all about V-Day when they find one where they aren't single! And since that's me...I quit doggin it.

blue mcgoo said...

I think he likes it more this year because he has someone to celebrate it with.

I call it the 3rd out. The thoughtful wife gift inning is finally over when Christmas, her B-day (Jan 15) and Valentines are past. I can forget about all the thoughful gifts for a little while.

amy said...

I'm glad you posted this...did you notice at the bottom of the article it gives a "special thank you" to AMERICAN GREETINGS...it maybe not be hallmark, but it's pretty stinkin' close. I think I made my point.

and...by the way, I give it respect...I probably, maybe, sortof carry around a few bad memories and a little bitterness about the whole holiday.

I don't not like valentines day...I think it's cool, but I also think it's become a consumer holiday...I would say something similar about Christmas. I'm sure I would have different feelings if I had a boyfriend who I thought might do something special on that day. I think you have a different attitude now because you are dating Jen.

And...I have to admit, I'll be at rite-aid late next week, buying my very own box of candy...for 50-75% off of course. lol. :-)

Brian said...

well, for Zach's 24 V-days being single, you can count me as having 23 myself. I've always thought it was a special day to celebrate with the family, and look forward to the day I would celebrate it with somebody special.

I spent a lot of my life being single and independant, and I was pretty secure in that. Really, the day itself didnt bother me any more than any other time that I saw couples doing things, you know? I've had much larger traumas in my life, thats for sure.

I dont get down on any holiday really, except maybe Kwanzaa. I dont understand that one.

Amy, I did see what you said about the American Greetings thing. I guess that would make sense that they would want to make money by attaching their name to a website describing the history of a great holiday. (for those of you reading that site, make sure you read all 3 pages. the 3rd page gets more into how it became more what is now, starting in the 1700s. The 1st page is pretty bland)

Last year I celebrated on Feb 14 because my hard drive crashed at work (heavy sarcasm)

Anonymous said...

I don't mind Valentine's day, but it's not that important to me either. The only Valentine's day I can even remember was 2 years ago (and we won't talk about why that is, but it had nothing to do with whether or not I was with someone).

I think Valentine's day should be respected...there's no reason for bitterness, but that's just my opinion.

All I know is that I'm really looking forward to Valentine's day this year. I love our dinners at home :-) (I think we should invite Adam and Steve.)