Galentine’s Day: powerful or patronising?

Valentine’s Day: an occasion which is typically associated with passion and romance—and, on a more surface level, teddy bears, chocolate, and roses. Also don't forget the pinks and reds, since what is Valentine’s Day without sugary sweet decorations in the prettiest and richest shades of those colours? There is a tendency to only view the day from the perspective of romantic relationships. However, while that is sweet, it is not the only way to celebrate.

Saint Valentine of Rome, for whom the day is celebrated, is believed to have been a third-century Roman figure with a fascinating and complex history. He is now commonly associated with love but interestingly, Saint Valentine is also the patron of other things like beekeeping and epilepsy, so if you identify with either of those things, I say take the day for yourself! The history of the holiday itself is incredibly vague, however I suppose that doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. The moral of the story is that we now celebrate a day that is often focused on romantic love—something that I think should change.

Now don't get me wrong; romance is fine and all. I know this isn't the greatest way to describe something as complex and riveting as true love, but in my defence, it is kind of hard to find one word that encapsulates something so indescribable and perplexing. Anyways, while romantic love is nice, most forms of affection are platonic.

Galentine’s Day simply refers to spending the day before Valentine’s Day with your girlfriends (gals). The holiday, (also known as Palentine’s Day if you or your friends aren’t women or girls) is an increasingly popular way to show affection to those you love in a non-romantic way. The term can be credited to the television show Parks and Recreation, which features an episode dedicated to the previously unofficial holiday. Technically, the show celebrates it on February 13, while others may choose to do so on February 14.

Some say the holiday is patronising, misogynistic, and unnecessary, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. It is a great way to come together to celebrate each other and the love you share. Galentine’s Day can come to represent a core idea that needs to be expressed more: women supporting women. Galentine’s Day allows people the chance to be themselves while also celebrating what makes their friends unique. It also promotes love in a way that anyone can celebrate.

Valentine’s Day is ultimately one dedicated to celebrating love, no matter the source. The argument that Galentine’s Day is patronising is understandable but misses its main intent and prevents the positivity and joy that can emerge from enjoying the presence of loved ones. I encourage all readers to use all future Valentine’s/Galentine’s/Palentine’s Days as a way to relax with friends, a significant other, or even yourself if that is what would make you happiest. Friendship and love stem from many different sources, a fact that is beautiful and makes life worth living, not a display of loneliness or desperation. Happy Valentine’s/ Galentine’s/Palentine’s Day!