A little while ago I posted my thoughts on celebrating Other People's Holidays. Valentine's Day is one of those I am down with. But wait, you may ask - isn't this a religious Christian holiday, and as such one that I should be sitting out? Not really I say. The Catholic Church removed Valentine's Day from its calendar of holidays in 1969. If the Church claims it is not their holiday, who am I to argue with them. Also, I have discussed the issue with some religious Christian friends of mine and they do not impute a religious significance to the day. Once again, if they don't want to claim the day as part of their religious heritage, who am I to say that it should be.
Then the question becomes do I want to celebrate Valentine's Day. For me, the answer is yes. This may exhibit my true colors as a pretty sappy guy, but I'm with the Beatles on this one. Valentine's Day could admittedly be pretty Kitsch, but only if overdone. Plus, we could all use a little bit of Disney style sentimentality in our lives now and again. So to everyone out there, Happy Valentine's Day!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
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7 comments:
There are other branches of Christianity other than Catholicism. While they are the major exporter of saints, just because they've disavowed it as no longer a holiday, doesn't mean that the day isn't, essentially, a christian saint's day.
Annie: I guess our difference in opinion stems from the fact that I dont think anybody today celebrates Valentine's Day as a saint's day or religious holiday. I've looked around a bit, and haven't really found anybody who does this. But, if you could point me to examples, I'd be open to reconsidering.
JT,
Say it is not so. I am going to have to take you outside and beat you with a box of chocolate and dead roses.
Never ever admit to enjoying this fake holiday. You'll screw it up for all men.
Bah.
Should I now be offended if a frum guy tells me that he "doesn't do Valentine's Day"? I always figured it was a good excuse for no flowers, no chocolate, no dinner out, but now you're making me doubt that...
Oh, and I was inspired to do some research after reading your post. You know, the Googling kind of research. Results posted here.
I see valentines day as corporate america's way of getting people to by cards and flowers and chocholate
Jack: Believe me I understand your sentiments. But hey, Im not trying to change any minds out there. My pro-Valentines Day stance can sometimes score me mad points relative to other guys.
ALG: As long as he does those things for you on other days I guess he cant be that bad :). And great post on your site. Lots of really good info.
S: Agreed. But corporate America uses everything as a way to make bank. The trick is to make sure that those occasions in your life become more than that.
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