February has long been celebrated as the month of love but the history of Valentine’s Day and its patron saint (Saint Valentine) is shrouded in mystery. One legend states that Valentine was a priest in third century Rome under Emperor Claudius II. Claudius believed that single men made better soldiers than married men, so he outlawed marriage for all young men. Valentine believed in true love so much that he disobeyed the Emperor’s new law and married people in secret anyway. Once discovered he was put to death, and since then has been a symbolic figure of love. Over the years the traditions and practices of Valentine’s Day have changed, but they are all trying to represent one thing, true love even though students may argue that Valentine’s Day has lost its meaning.

“It’s kinda unfair that you have to do something on that day for someone,” junior James Melfi said. “If you like someone you should be doing something for them everyday.”

Since the Middle Ages it has been tradition for two people to exchange cards or flowers on February 14th, but it wasn’t until the mid 1800s that it became popular to give chocolates.

“People waste too much money to shower their partner in gifts,” junior Savannah Morgan said.”The way I see it is you shouldn’t have to have gifts to show your appreciation.”

When it comes to gifts there are no limits. Americans are expected to spend 18.9 billion dollars this year on Valentine’s day expenses.

“It’s too commercialized, people spend too much money, and people are too pressured to get their significant other something,” English teacher Corinne Thomason said.

Often people are so distracted with the idea of finding the perfect gift to shower their partner with, that the main point of  the celebration is forgotten. Not to mention the concept of Valentine’s Day is only enjoyable if you have someone to spend it with.

“It’s a nice enough holiday I guess, but not if you’re single,” senior Gabriel Aldrete-Nieto said.

Valentine’s Day has also been given the acronym of S.A.D, or Single Awareness Day.

“Love sucks,” sophomore Andrew Wickstorm said.

Many people have the same thoughts about Valentine’s day and its practices.

“It’s only a day for couples,” junior Mary-Katherine Mulligan said. “Single people have to sit alone and wallow in their own self-pity.”

When February 14th comes around, there is a mix of emotions. For some it’s a great day, for some a horrible day, and for others it’s just another day.