Crystal Killingsworth
Blue & White Flash / Staff Writer
The infamous February 14, known as Valentine’s Day is upon us yet again. The day dedicated solely to love has couples everywhere scrambling to find that one gift that perfectly expresses their affection for their special someone. Usually red roses, chocolates, and teddy bears are the most popular gifts given on this day. However, for those persons seeking more meaningful gifts from the heart, acquiring the perfect, yet appropriate gift for their mate can be difficult. For two people who have recently become a couple, finding a suitable proper gift can be stressful, whereas finding a gift for a married couple would be next to impossible considering all of their past gifts.
So the question is “what is the perfect gift”. What gift equally symbolizes abiding love and friendship for either a spouse of 5 years or a premature college couple relationship?
According to Big Fat Balloons, the top ten Valentine ’s Day gifts of 2013 are: jewelry, a romantic weekend in Paris, an experience day for two, a romantic meal at a favorite restaurant, champagne and chocolates, a huge bouquet of flowers, a teddy bear, an evening to yourself, a movie night in, and a romantic walk.
Kenny Demouchet, a senior mass communications major from New Orleans, La., said that the perfect Valentine’s Day gift would be a simple card.
“Valentine’s Day cards are a win win,” said Demouchet, adding that a card is appropriate for any stage of any relationship. “It’s not too serious but it is still heartfelt” said Demouchet.
Alicia Meadows, a senior biology major from Detroit. Mich., said that no matter what the relationship, she isn’t picky when it comes to Valentine’s gifts. “I’m appreciative of anything that I get in any stage of relationship that I am involved in,” said Meadows.
According to the Legend of Valentine, the day of Love was originated around stories surrounding the demise or death of St. Valentine or Valentinus who was expected of helping Christians escape the harsh treatments of the Roman Empire’s jail system. While in prison, St. Valentine allegedly fell in love with the jailor’s daughter who came to visit him while incarcerated. It was then that St. Valentine supposedly sent the very first valentine greeting through a card signed “from your Valentine” coining the expression that is still used today. Henceforth the concept of showing affection through gifts was born. Today Valentine’s Day has evolved into couples not only expressing their love through letters but heartfelt gifts as well. However the concept of romanticism is still the same.
Kandace Griffin, a senior business management major from Jackson, Miss., expressed her gratitude for the holiday. “I think that it’s great that couples can have a day dedicated to their affection for one another,” said Griffin.
Reyanna Stowes, a mass communications major from Vallejo, Calif., said: “For me, Valentine’s Day is just another day.” She added that one should express their affection for their love ones everyday rather than on one specific day. “I feel like if you truly love someone you will show them everyday of the year,” Stowes said.
