Last week I blogged about how lame it is that Monday gets a bad rap and Friday gets all the kudos. I know that many people are just as cynical about Valentine’s Day, but I’m here to tell you it doesn’t have to be that way. I often hear things like “It’s a commercial holiday created by the card companies!” or “I don’t need to buy chocolate and hearts to prove my love!” Okay, I get it. But is there really a need to have such disdain for a holiday that celebrates love? Have we become that jaded?
Maybe you’re thinking, “of course you like Valentine’s Day Dave, you’re married!” That’s true, but I haven’t been married my whole life, and I’ve spent quite a few Valentine’s Days alone. There’s just a huge difference between being alone and being “lonely.” Also, I know lots of single people who have a better attitude toward Valentine’s Day than their coupled counterparts, so it’s not just about “being with someone.” It’s all about what you make it.
Contrary to popular belief, Valentine’s Day was not invented by Hershey’s or Hallmark to drive guilt into your soul and empty your wallet. It’s been around since the 5th century, long before anyone even heard of a greeting card. It’s only now, in the 21st century, that we choose to dis our holidays like Christmas, Halloween and Valentine’s Day and blame it all on that old devil commercialism. If you don’t celebrate them that’s fine, but does resenting them serve any real purpose? I think we both know the answer to that.
Now let’s examine St. Patrick’s Day. It’s funny how you never hear people accusing Guiness, Budweiser, or their local pubs of commercialism. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy St Patty’s Day because, even as a non-drinker, I revel in the upbeat mood of the day; not to mention the fact that I’m part Irish. But let’s face it, it’s a holiday that’s centered around getting drunk and…well, that’s about it. Oh yea, I almost forgot, if you’re getting hammered you should also be wearing green somewhere on your person. Maybe it’s about luck too? This is fitting, because in most cases you will need the “luck of the Irish” to drive home without getting pulled over or hitting an Oak tree.
Again, I really enjoy St.Patricks Day (especially when people who have been drinking since 10am trip over my microphone stand and spit green beer in my face with their nasty corned beef and cabbage breath while requesting Irish drinking songs…but I digress), I’m just pointing out the fact that we seem to be much more welcoming to a holiday that celebrates getting wasted than a holiday that celebrates love. Anyone else see that as a red flag?
At the end of the day ALL holidays are exactly what you make them, and if they anger or upset you in any way then it’s time to do some personal inventory. It’s not indicative of the holiday or the companies that profit from them, it’s a reflection on you. Hallmark and Hershey’s aren’t holding a gun to your head and making you buy anything, so you are always free to choose how much you celebrate the holiday. If you choose not to celebrate the holiday, that’s fine too, but why not just feel happy for the people that do?
Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy St Patrick’s day to all of you! I hope you enjoy these grade B holidays and make the most out of them--whether you’re in love, or just sh*t faced!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Valentine’s vs St Patrick’s: why love is always better than a DWI
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According to a recent BBC article the earliest written use of the word "Valentine" in the sense we use it today was in a letter from 1477 from Margery Brews to John Paston who was her betrothed. She spells it "Voluntyne" but that's because it was written in the middle friggin ages. She was pleading for him to address his love for her rather than the more business concern of the dowry her father would not increase. This letter won Mr. Paston over and they married out of romance rather than the common idea of money of the time.
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