Many people have started viewing the special day as a ploy to boost consumerism, a reasonable thought, seeing as prices on sweets and gifts this year have gone up 20% in preparation for the holiday. The price of love has reached 27.5 billion dollars as of last year, and we will soon see if the price has risen yet again. Flowers sales on Valentine’s Day alone make up 30% of their annual sales, and over 36 million chocolate boxes are sold. But that is not the purpose of the holiday. That is just clever marketing. The day itself is a day of love.
In the 14th century, Valentine’s Day was not a day of love and gratitude. It was a day to remember Saint Valentine, a Christian priest who was martyred in 270 AD. 
There are very few known facts about Saint Valentine, but the legend is that he defied emperor Claudius ll Gothicus and secretly married couples together. Giving Valentine’s Day the romantic theme it has today. Whether the legends are true or not, the day has become of expressing love for those around and celebrating it throughout the world.
The legends aren’t the only signs of love, however. In 1382, poet Geoffrey Chaucer wrote “The Parliament of Fowls”. In it were words of desire, devotion, and love. This solidified Valentine’s Day as a romantic holiday and created the holiday we all celebrate today with chocolates, cards, and grand romantic gestures.
Now, just because these things are significant to the day, they aren’t the only parts. Valentine’s day – though used as such – is not a day of romance, it is a day of love.
People with or without significant others are given the opportunity to share and receive gratitude to people in their lives. It doesn’t matter your age, your relationship status, or your income, find a Valentine you can show your appreciation for this Valentine’s Day. 
Whether with family, friends, or lovers, February 14th has become a day to show the love you have for the special people in your life. What are you doing this February 14th?
