Valentine’s spirit at Valley Heights

By Madison Brazeau

Valley Heights Student Reporter

On February 14 each year, flowers, chocolate, and teddy bears fly off the shelves as red, white and pink are everywhere. But where did the holiday come from anyway?

There are many who believe that Valentine’s Day got its name from one of three saints named Valentine or Valentinus—all of whom were killed for various reasons.

One of these was a third century  priest in Rome. The priest went against the emperors’ orders to not perform marriages of young men as he thought single men fought better in battle than married men. The priest saw this as unfair and continued to marry young couples in secret. He was later beheaded but before he died it is said he signed a letter, “from your Valentine”—an expression still used today!

Valentine’s Day became popular and widely celebrated in the 18th century and by the 19th century it was common for friends or lovers of all classes to exchange homemade gifts or letters. In the 1900s, printed cards became a popular and convenient way to express your emotions as a direct expression of love was often frowned upon. Printed cards made it easier to reveal feelings without directly stating them. Today, Hallmark estimates that 145 million Valentine’s cards are exchanged, making Valentine’s Day the largest card gifting holiday—even above Christmas.

Valley Heights Secondary School celebrated Valentine’s Day this year by hosting fun spirit days themed around love to raise school spirit!

The week started with “I love being comfy” PJ day and “Crazy in love day” where students could rock their tacky and mismatched clothes. “I heart my hat day” followed and the week ended with “Red, white and pink day!”

The students’ council held a fundraiser selling candy grams for 50 cents apiece or three for $1. It was a great opportunity to spread the love to friends and support future fun events!

However you choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day, it is important to remember that the holiday can be disheartening for some. You never know what situation someone is in, has gone through, or will go through in the future. Or, if that’s you right now—never forget that there is someone who loves and cares for you  enough that He sent his son to die on the cross for you so that you may spend eternity with Him. So, remember, in any situation to “Come to me, all who labour and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Remember to spread the love. You never know what someone is going through, and know that there is always somebody who loves and cares for you, you just have to turn to Him.

Originally printed in The Good News, March 2025.