Most of us think of Valentine’s Day as a holiday that was made up to give gifts to the people we love, but that isn’t the real story behind it. Many legends have given us some ideas on how this holiday came to be. One says that St. Valentine was a priest in Rome, he was imprisoned for helping Christians escape, but while he was imprisoned he came up with a letter known as the “Valentine” after he had fallen in love with a young girl that most say could be the jailor’s own daughter.  “I honestly know nothing about the history of it, but I choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day just as a time to be with people you care about.” said Matilda Fitzgerald. You may think to yourself that Cupid would be the main element to why Valentine’s Day began, but he actually became known after the holiday had begun. Cupid is known as the god of love, who is the son of Mercury, the winged messenger of the gods and Venus, the goddess of love. Cupid has been known to appear as a winged infant carrying a bow and a quiver of arrows whose wounds inspired love or passion for whomever they struck.

Many people think differently about this holiday, but most of the time everyone celebrates it no matter if you have a lover or you just want to be with friends or family. By the middle of the 18th century it was common for friends and lovers to exchange gifts of affection or notes. “My favorite gift to receive on Valentine’s Day would be the infinity stones since people always tell their significant other that they are their world, but if someone gives you the infinity stones then it becomes a little more literal.” said Isaack Garcia. Another student named Grace Hunter said how her “Favorite gift would probably be just a really sweet date at a fun place, kind of like the beach.” In 1840, Esther A. Howland began selling the first mass-produced Valentines in America, later on she became known as the “Mother of Valentine”. About 145 million Valentines Day cards are now sent each year. Flowers and chocolates might be one of the most popular gifts to give around the world on this special day, but not everyone talks about having special moments with their loved ones. Some could be “A date to dinner and hanging out with my girlfriend.” said Matthew Fisher. While others could be a single flower and chocolate, any kind of gift or maybe not even a gift just spending time together can make it an unforgettable day.