This Friday is the holiday of love called Valentine’s Day and it is celebrated on Feb. 14.
There are many theories of how the holiday came about. One of these ideas was to honor two men named Valentine, who were executed on Feb. 14 by the Roman empire.
Another idea some believe is after a Priest named Valentine who fell in love with a jailer’s daughter and sent her a letter signed “from your Valentine.” This is the most well-known history of Valentine’s Day.
One of the last popular origins is believed to come from Rome’s fertility festival called Lupercalia.
Valentine’s Day may have a sad upbringing, but now the holiday is spent giving gifts and appreciation to your loved one. Some people give gifts to their family, friend or mostly toward their partner.
“I’m looking forward to giving and receiving gifts from my sisters! We always get each other something every year,” says Eveyln Trujillo, a freshman at Tracy High School.
Most people now even turn Valentine’s Day into Galantines Day, a girls hangout celebrating their friendship. They spend the day with their friends instead of a partner.
“Me and my friends are planning on going to the movies and then baking at my house,” said Valerie Lau, another freshman at Tracy High School.
Valentines’ day is not an official holiday but has been celebrated in the United States since the 1840’s. The person who introduced the holiday in the United States is Esther A. Howland.
“I’m planning to spend the day with my boyfriend. We want to hang out with each other after we give each other our gifts,” exclaimed Brianna Luis, freshman at Tracy High.
Valentine’s day is celebrated in many ways, but make sure you spend it with someone you love whether that be family, friends, or your partner this Friday.
