Valentine’s Day

Once a year without fail, Cupid is known for spreading his white, feathery wings and gliding weightlessly through the air. This famous cherub, who is generally depicted with bow in hand and a large quiver of arrows on his back, has a never-ending mission: to skillfully and mischievously seek out hearts to pierce in the name of love.

While the mythical Cupid may not truly be the one to thank, or to blame, for couples hopelessly in love, there is still one day a year set aside to celebrate this particular emotion.

Valentine's Day has long been cloaked in lighthearted debate over whether it is a holiday based on tradition and history - or one merely abused by corporate America.

Cheesy cards, flowers, heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, singing stuffed animals, and jewelry are all commonly splurged-upon items for Valentine's Day. This being the case, it's easy to see why people may be skeptical about the validity of a holiday that seems to be based largely on spending money on frivolous items.

Ben Crosby, a freshman majoring in criminal justice, said that Valentine's Day is "more for candy and gifts than anything."

Although this can quickly become expensive, Crosby readily found redeeming qualities about the holiday of love as well.

"You should spend every day with [your significant other]," he said. "But it's great to have a day set aside to spend with [them]. It gives you an excuse to spoil them."

If one so happens to be in a relationship, this may very well hold true. However, for someone whose status is single, there could be emotional drawbacks.

"It's either Valentine's Day or ‘Singles Awareness Day.' You notice all the couples really acutely," said Crosby.

Leah McCallum, a sophomore majoring in health care administration, expressed disdain for the Cupid-influenced holiday, but only when she's single.

"I love Valentine's Day when I'm dating," she said.

McCallum believes that Valentine's Day, "to an extent," is largely a ‘Hallmark holiday' – one that exists more or less for the benefit of the corporations, such as those that produce greeting cards, and less for the romantic traditions that surround it.

"You don't really celebrate anything," she said. "It's just like… love."

However, this doesn't dampen her view of what a special evening can be had when Feb. 14 rolls around.

"[I love] having a guy buy me dinner," she said.

While many students believe Valentine's Day may have been given a bad reputation due to companies mooching off its sentimental value, they know there is rooted history behind the holiday; although there may be uncertainty surrounding its origins.

According to History.com, the Catholic Church currently recognizes at least three saints named either Valentine or Valentinus.

One story tells of a time in third century Rome, in which it was decided by Emperor Claudius II that "single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families." He outlawed marriage in hopes of keeping these bachelors as fighters for his army.

Valentine, realizing the injustice of Claudius' law, continued to marry young lovers secretly, but was ordered to be put to death upon discovery of his disobedience.

Another legend "suggests that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured."

Yet one more story tells of Valentine in prison, where he actually wrote the first "valentine," to his young lover who visited him. It is said that he signed the letter "From your Valentine," which is often used in sentimental cards today.

By the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

"Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure," History.com explains.

Jennifer Haupricht, a junior majoring in bioengineering, understands both sides of the history vs. Hallmark holiday argument.

While she noted that "guys feel pressured to get their girlfriends something," she also said that Valentine's Day is "all what you make of it."

"I would personally prefer flowers on a random day," said Haupricht. "It's not expected then."

Opinions of a day for lovers may vary from year to year, based on whether or not any given person is in a relationship.

If someone is already dating, it's a perfectly adorable day to send reminders in the way of their significant other of how much they are loved. For those who are single, it can be a day spent with friends, admiring the pink and red decorations around them. For true pessimists, it is a day to dwell on the woes of being alone.

In any regard, there is merit to a historical explanation for the holiday. Whether the celebration is a moneymaking joke or a genuine time to express love seems to lie completely in the eye of the beholder.