This is the week of love, hearts, and all things red and pink. It is the week of Valentine’s Day.

Some people roll their eyes in disgust when they hear the word “valentine.” Some people see it as an extra opportunity to show their love for someone. Most people do not even know why the day started some thousands of years ago. I am here to tell you why…

Valentine’s day has become a historical holiday because of Saint Valentine. The Roman Catholic High Priest Valentine believed that everyone should experience the happiness of love, so he performed weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry because, according to the emperor at the time, married soldiers were too weak for war. Valentine didn’t agree with this, so he held the weddings and engagements of the forbidden soldiers. He was discovered by the emperor and sentenced to death.

Before he was beheaded Valentine healed the blind daughter of his jailor and the day Valentine was executed he wrote a farewell letter to the daughter he healed. He signed his farewell: “From your Valentine.” 

Valentine was executed on February 14, 270 A.D. From then on, the day has been honored in memory of Saint Valentine and the power of love. It has since become a record sales day for Hallmark cards. 

Feb. 14 really is a day about love. Whether it is your family, friends or just your dog, show someone you love them on this day. Even if you’re not into all the hearts and baby cherubs, a random act of kindness could really make someone’s day. And if you are happily taken and spending the day with google-y eyes, keep it away from the single people.

I also want to point out that this is a perfect weekend for the debatable blockbuster, 50 Shades of Grey, to hit theaters. As a single female with many single friends I can assure you that we will be hitting up the movie this weekend. 

Students on the SDSU campus could celebrate this three-day weekend cuddled up with a loved one, or they could celebrate with some awesome things on campus. I can’t think of a better way for basketball fans to spend Valentine’s Day than cheering on the Men’s Basketball team as they take on the NDSU Bison this Saturday in the Frost Arena. If basketball isn’t your thing, you could enjoy a free movie in the Market on Friday night hosted by the BSA.

So, whatever you do for Valentine’s Day, tell someone you love them, and eat a bunch of chocolate. Because after all, that’s what the day is about, right?

Brenna can be reached at [email protected].