The Meaning of Valentine’s Day

By Ashley M. Burdick | Online Editor

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People often ask themselves, what is the meaning of Valentine’s Day? Valentine’s Day is an international and significant celebration of love amongst family, friends and loved ones.

No matter the location, people from all over the world are celebrating this holiday in unision.

At the University of Scranton, Valentine’s Day has a significant meaning to faculty and students on campus.

Through life’s endless struggles, challenges and happiest moments, Provost Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D. thinks of Valentine’s Day as a time to pause and really think about and appreciate the people we love and that love us back.

“Our late beloved President, Fr. Pilarz, would remind us to not waste the love that has been given to us. Valentines Day is a wonderful time to appreciate all of the love around us,” Gingerich said.

However, though Valentine’s Day was so significant in romance, it wasn’t always a romantic holiday. The tradition of Valentine’s Day being love originated in England and France in the 1300s. It originates from the fact that birds started their mating season on February 14.

Everyone has a similar opinion on Valentine’s Day like Center for Student Engagement’s Assistant Director, Casey Steiner.

Steiner sees Valentine’s Day as a day to love oneself, friends, family and relationships.

“It’s a highlight of the love we all share and celebrate,” Steiner said.

The day is often filled with sweets, kind gifts and love.

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend $2.3 billion dollars on flowers this year for Valentine’s Day.

Senior Neuroscience major Samantha Matamoros-Patrick says Valentine’s Day is a day to care about people around her and to let them know they are loved.

“As long as it makes the people I love happy, I love to see them smile,” Matamoros-Patrick said.

According to Hallmark, Americans send 145 million Valentine’s cards each year on February 14.

Sophomore criminal justice major Madeline Ortiz sees Valentine’s day as a day to spend time with her family.

“It’s a day to let my family know I appreciate them,” Ortiz said.

With family and friends, Valentine’s Day is a time to appreciate more with your loved ones.

Senior biochemistry major Delilah Owen views Valentine’s Day as a day to celebrate love.

“On Valentine’s day you celebrate love more than just with a partner. You can celebrate with family, friends and oneself,” Owen said.

On February 14, the University of Scranton campus is filled with love for each other, family, loved ones, faculty, friends and oneself.