Valentines Day, the one time of year when people get together to celebrate love, friendship, and admiration. The annual tradition is celebrated every year all around the world on February 14th. Every year on this day, people celebrate this day by sending messages of love and affection to partners, family and friends. Couples at Carterville High School (CHS) share their Valentine’s Day plans for the upcoming year.

According to History.com, it has been suggested that the celebrations are associated with a Roman feast held in mid-February. Pope Gelasius I banned the observance of Lupercalia around the end of the fifth century, and is frequently credited with replacing it with St. Valentine’s Day. 

In fact, History.com states, “During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of Valentine’s Day should be a day for romance.” Valentine’s Day did not become popular as a romantic holiday until the 14th century and will be celebrated this year on Monday, Feb 14.

At CHS, many couples are making plans for Valentine’s Day. Therefore, few couples shared their insight of how they were planning to surprise their significant other. Juniors Uzziah Rutherford and Stacey Warren are a couple at CHS. Uzziah was asked about his Valentine’s plans with Stacey and he said, “This is my first Valentine’s Day with Stacey. This year, we are planning on going bowling and then watching a movie at home afterwards.” 

Senior Lara Al-Zoubaidi and Senior Evan Lennox are planning for their perfect Valentine’s Day. “We have been celebrating Valentine’s Day for 2 years together and we plan on going out for date night” Al-Zoubaidi said. 

Freshman Kayce Issacs said, “I wanted to try to get a box of chocolates and some type of stuffed animal. I’m not sure of any plans so far, but I’m glad I get to celebrate with my boyfriend Nathaniel Brame.” 

Even if you aren’t sharing the day with a significant other, you’re still able to celebrate with another holiday called Galentine’s Day. Galentine’s Day is celebrated on February 13, the day before Valentine’s Day. It’s a day to express your feelings or friendship with your female friends, whether they’re single or not, and to celebrate their love and attention more than you do on any other day. Around the world, people celebrate Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day in a variety of ways whether it be with loved ones, family, friends, or anyone else.