Valentine's: a day of diverse traditions
By Caroline Vaughan
Monday is Valentine's Day, the love holiday of the year. For that special person, one gift idea is a dozen roses that can be found at 1-800-FLOWERS for $ 99.99.
For the courting coinsures out there, who are conjuring up a candlelit meal, a bottle of Champaign is priced at $10.99 at Safeway. This year, what type of things will people do to make the day priceless?
The pagan festival Lupercalia, which was filled with fertility fables, was Christianized to become Valentine's Day and continues to captivate couples. Hallmark and Shakespeare coined abundant phrases to creatively express "I love you," but many people find it really hard to do. So this year, if you have no romantic shenanigans up your sleeve, there is Lovingyou.com or theromantic.com, Web sites with recipes, gift ideas and suggestions for the perfect date.
It's important to plan in advance, as dinner reservations are filling fast. Authentic Italian restaurant Il Fornaio, which has a special Valentine's Day menu, is already limited to 5:30 and 6:15 dinner reservations. According to the manager, reservations will almost be filled by the end of the week.
As for See's Candies, this weekend will be hectic, but don't worry. Their prices stay the same year round. Tiffany and Co. stopped taking requests for hand engraved items two weeks ago and now, you must get there at least 5 days in advance for machine-engraved items. This includes the sterling silver collection (particularly the heart collection), which among college-aged students is especially popular this year.
Communication scholars specifically cite social comparison theory. If you thought those tulips and stuffed bear were cute, things may look different when a floral monstrosity arrives for your roommate. Now with celebrity weddings sparkling with mulit-carat diamonds and Nick and Jessica's Napa Valley getaways, the bar has been raised.
Despite the pressure Valentine's Day places on romantic relationships, this day is not just for couples. Don't let the selective matchmaker and deity Cupid make you feel left out. This Love Day, remember when you were a child; the embellished shoeboxes and candy galore, when Valentine's Day entailed all friends and the family. So be retro, think outside the box and include your platonic relationships that reap rewards from recognition as well.
If none of the above appeals to you, there is always the option to wear all black in rebellion or throwing an anti-Valentine's Day bash where no happy couples are allowed.
Don't sweat it, relax. You're bound to figure it out. This Feb. 14, even if showing love seems a daunting feat, with the right attitude anyone is equipped with the tools to complete.
* Contact Caroline Vaughan at (408) 554-4546 or cvaughan@scu.edu.