Valentine’s Day, a celebration of love and affection, has evolved significantly over the centuries. Once rooted in historical traditions, it now reflects a mix of timeless customs and modern trends that shape how we honor the holiday today.
Beginning in the 20th century, pop culture began to influence Valentine’s Day. Hollywood romanticized the occasion, embedding grand gestures of love into the public imagination while schools joined the celebration by encouraging children to exchange cards in order to foster a sense of community and kindness.
“When I was a student, we used to share candy hearts with our girlfriends. And gosh, and then we used to have a Valentine’s dance, and everybody wore red. Oh, it was very sweet,” said staffulty member Barbara Tauskey.
While some ways of celebrating Valentine’s Day have remained the same over the years, Tauskey also reflects on how celebrations have evolved.
“Now it seems like everybody gets red roses and chocolates, and when I was first married, that’s what my husband did,” Tauskey explained. “Now it’s just another day for us, and so we wish each other a Happy Valentine’s Day with a lovely card and that’s about it.”
Social media platforms have had a significant impact on transforming Valentine’s Day into a modern celebration that blends the holiday’s spirit with spectacle, showcasing lavish celebrations and idealized relationships. While some believe that this shift has made the holiday feel less authentic in some ways, it has also created new opportunities for people to connect through digital gifts, virtual dates and personalized presents in an increasingly digital world.
“Social media, I think, can enhance a relationship, and I think it can also damage a relationship. It depends on the individual that you are involved with and the state of your relationship. And so it can be lovely and it can be sweet, and then it can also be unfortunate,” said Tauskey.
At the same time, the changing times have encouraged a broader sense of inclusivity, expanding Valentine’s Day to include not only romantic love but also friendships and self-love. Celebrations like “Galentine’s Day” emphasize the importance of platonic relationships, while many people now use the occasion to indulge in self-care and personal appreciation, reinforcing the idea that love can take many forms.
Overall, despite its evolution, the essence of Valentine’s Day remains unchanged: celebrating love in all its forms. However, the overwhelming influence of social media and commercialization can distort the holiday’s purpose, creating unrealistic expectations and overshadowing its more meaningful aspects.
As the holiday continues to balance tradition with cultural evolution, it is important to focus on authenticity. Whether through a simple gesture or a grand display, finding personal and meaningful ways to celebrate ensures that the spirit of Valentine’s Day is truly maintained.
