February has long been a month of romance. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, students are preparing for Sunday’s festivities to be filled with heart-shaped chocolates, red roses and life-sized teddy bears.
Valentine’s Day is usually associated with the same ideas: anything red and pink, or anything sweet and sentimental. However, according to www.history.com, there are several possible theories surrounding the origin of the holiday. Although many of them are murky in detail, all of the theories involve St. Valentine who was known for his charismatic, sympathetic and romantic traits.
One theory says he was a man who helped Christian couples wed. Another says he was the Bishop of Terni. Both of these men were killed by emperor Claudius II and their simlarities led to the creation of the one St. Valentine image.
No matter the history, everyone has a different view of how Valentine’s Day should be celebrated. Mikayla Murphree, freshman pre-veterinary major, said she has a romantic view of Valentine’s Day spent with her fiancée.
“I feel that the day is more about being romantic and thoughtful, rather than showering your significant other in expensive gifts,” Murphree said.
The holiday can also mean something different for those who are in long-distance relationships.
Kaela Brewington, freshman child development major, said she will not be able to spend the holiday with her significant other.
“I planned on sending my boyfriend a care-package filled with a few of his favorite things since I could not be home for the day,” Brewington said.
Brewington, with a view very similar to Murphree’s, also said Valentine’s Day should be spent reminding one’s significant other how special they are.
Many students who are in serious, long-term relationships, have similar views of the holiday. They view it as a day to get in touch with their soft side.
However, not all college students share that romantic view. Many who find themselves single on the holiday, do not have such a sentimental view.
Kellie Leonard, sophomore secondary education major, plans to spend the holiday with some of her closest friends.
“Who needs Valentine’s when you can have ‘gal’entines,” Leonard said.
Valentine’s Day does not have to be a day spent entirely devoted to love and sentiments. Instead of spending time with close friends or a significant other this holiday, spend it by getting to know others. For example, students can join the Outdoor Adventures staff for s’mores on the deck overlooking Chadwick Lake at the Sanderson center tonight from 6 until 7 p.m.
Editor’s note: In an article published in The Reflector on Feb. 9 titled, “StateDM to raise money for children,” it was stated this was the first year Mississippi State University is participating in the Dance Marathon (StateDM). This is not the first time MSU is participating. MSU participated in 1998 shortly after the Children’s Miracle Network joined with Pennsylvania State University in 1993 to develop national student-run fundraisers that include dance marathons. The Reflector regrets this error.
