Happy February 14th

It’s February 14th, known to some as Valentine’s Day. For the St. Mary’s mock trial team, it’s just another day of competition at the Shelby County Courthouse. ​

It’s February 14th, known to some as Valentine’s Day. For the St. Mary’s mock trial team, it’s just another day of competition at the Shelby County Courthouse. We are ready. We are focused. Thoughts of the romance of this day are far from our mind. We have openings, closings, directs and crosses to remember and deliver with poise and authority.

Some of our significant others are a little less than pleased that mock trial districts fall on the most romantic day of the year, but on further reflection, what even is Valentine’s Day?

The first answer is the Feast of St. Valentine. A day much like All Saints Day or the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Valentine’s Day is, at least in heritage, a religious holiday. In fact, numerous Christians named Valentine were martyred in the Roman Empire, so I’m sure the Saints Valentine would love our use of a (Roman) pagan god, Cupid, in celebrating their feast day.
Secondly: this day marks the anniversary of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, the product of gang violence on the streets of Chicago. Not exactly the most romantic day of the year.

But let’s take a look at the modern Valentine’s Day — which we can thank poet Geoffrey Chaucer for pioneering. Take heed: chocolate, flowers, a card, and teddy bears are indeed cliché and expensive, but your Valentine certainly expects at least one of these. And don’t you forget because these gifts – and your affection – certainly mean less any other day of the year.

Ladies: don’t have a Valentine? That’s ok! The greeting card stores, gift stores, Target, and other fine retailers have stolen Leslie Knope’s (of “Parks and Recreation”) Galentine’s Day as a way for you, too, to spend money at their stores in February.

I offer the same humble suggestion for Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day: love and spoil your significant other and your friends every day of the year. Well, every day but February 14th.

Because, if you’re with (or friends with) the right person, every day is Valentine’s Day. Don’t wait around for one day of the year to show people how much you love them. Life’s too short for that.