Mariallen Moore
News Editor
Valentine’s Day is celebrated far and wide by many couples, friends and single individuals.
It is a day you either hate or love. This is because most people see Valentine’s Day as what American culture has popularized it to be. However, the origins of Valentine’s Day can even make the hardest of hearts believe in this day of love.
There are several legends about how this holiday came about, all of which have the theme of love woven within their details.
One theory claims that Valentine’s Day originated several centuries ago with the decree from Emperor Claudius II banning single men from marrying. An infamous man by the name of Valentine did not abide by this decree. He continued to marry young men and women secretly. Valentine was later beheaded once his actions were found out. Another story suggests that Valentine was murdered for helping Christians to escape the harsh prisons in Rome.
According to one legend, Valentine was imprisoned and fell in love with a young woman who was believed to be his jailer’s daughter. He wrote her the first supposed “valentine” from jail that was signed “From your Valentine”, which is still used widely today.
No matter the legend that you choose to believe, Valentine’s Day has definitely evolved from any of these possible origins. Today, the holiday has become far more commercialized, leaving some people with a negative feeling about the celebration of love.
However, many couples and some single people prioritize Valentine’s Day because it is such an endearing and romantic holiday.
Scottilyn Lloyd and Kaleb Darnell, both senior nursing students, are spending their first Valentine’s Day this year. The pair will also celebrate their nine-month mark in their relationship this month.
The pair first met in nursing school here at The W. Once in the program, the pair gravitated towards the same friend circle. They had known each other for an entire year before they decided to start dating.
As for Valentine’s Day, Lloyd and Darnell plan to spend the day doing things they love to do together.
“This is our first Valentine’s Day, but we don’t have big plans,” Darnell said. “We will probably cook dinner together and catch up on some of our favorite shows or movies.”
Melissa Blaylock, a senior marketing major, is another Mississippi University for Women student who plans to celebrate Valentine’s Day with her significant other.
Blaylock and her husband have been together for four years now. As well as celebrating Valentine’s Day, the couple will be celebrating their anniversary. For the special occasion, the pair will be having dinner at Huck’s, which is where they got engaged.
Lloyd’s statement about Valentine’s Day is the perfect way to describe the love between partners, friends, and family:
“Valentine’s is a day to reflect on your love for one another. However, it’s important to show love to your significant other, friends and family every day, not just this holiday.”