Throughout the first two weeks of February, stores are decked out in pink, red and white, and heart-shaped candies are scattered everywhere. This symbolizes Valentine’s Day, a day  entirely dedicated to celebrating love. However, outside of the treats and cards, one has to question whether Valentine’s Day is just an opportunity for companies like Hallmark and Tiffany’s to rake in stacks of money. 

The true origin story of Valentine’s Day is not known. The holiday commemorates Saint Valentine, but there are three Saint Valentine’s in history. Some believe that the real Saint Valentine lived in Rome and was killed for officiating weddings. Others think that Saint Valentine was from Terni and also put to death for officiating weddings. However it came to be, Valentine’s Day developed into a holiday focused completely on love. 

Those who enjoy Valentine’s Day believe that it provides a chance for people to celebrate their relationships. However, the same could be said for an anniversary. One difference between the two is that around Valentine’s Day, the gifts you get for your partner will be on sale. 

Americans spend mass amounts of money on Valentine’s Day. According to the National Retail Federation, the average American spends around $200 on gifts, flowers, and Valentine’s Day activities, such as dinner dates. At its conception, the holiday may have indeed been focused on love, however, Valentine’s Day has become a Hallmark holiday, a purely commercial day. 

In addition to the money sent down the drain on Feb. 14, the holiday also puts pressure on those who are single. Valentine’s Day is all about relationships, so those who do not have them may feel out of place and down when they spend the day without a significant other. 

Even with its drawbacks, Valentine’s Day does allow people to enjoy festive desserts and watch their favorite romantic movies. You do not need a partner to indulge in cupcakes or candy hearts. “I think it’s a lot of fun either to hang with your friends or significant others,” junior Adalyn Gully said.

The holiday also provides a chance to reconnect with loved ones and let them know that they matter to you, though celebrating your relationships should not be limited to one day of the year. People should always appreciate the people they have in their life. “I wouldn’t say [Valentine’s Day is] overrated, more like pointless because you should be giving unconditional love to your loved ones every second of your life no matter what,” senior Alex Ochman said. 

Elementary school students spend the day playing love-themed bingo and passing out candy, and high school students listen to singing Valentine’s throughout the day. Clearly, Valentine’s Day has taken a permanent spot in our society. Despite its unwavering place on our calendars and in our movies, Valentine’s Day is an overrated holiday that we could do without.