Valentine’s Day is a highly anticipated holiday in February for teenagers because of young relationships. Usually, couples spend the Day together on different dates and go to dinner. However, since high school is such a busy time, students focus more on friends, family, extracurricular activities and jobs instead of pursuing a romantic relationship.
The concept of Galentine’s Day first appeared in the 2010 show Parks and Recreation. In season two, episode 16, “Galentine’s Day,” the main character—Leslie Knope—gathered her friends on the morning of February 13 to have brunch at a local diner and celebrate each other with love.
“This day is important to me because it allows me to show gratitude for the friends who have supported me through highs and lows,” senior Mallory Fisher said.
Since then, even those who are not familiar with the TV show have adopted the tradition. It has grown prominent in recent years in young girl groups. Creating a play on Valentine’s Day that celebrates the love of friendship instead makes the holiday easier to celebrate for everyone.
“I think it’s important because even if you don’t have someone, you can still celebrate,” freshman Violette Hester said.
It emphasizes the importance of friendship for girls while being inclusive of any relationship status. Since the holiday is about friendship rather than romance, whether you’re single or taken does not matter.
There is no particular way to celebrate Galentine’s Day, and it doesn’t always have to be on February 13 like it is in Parks and Recreation. It all depends on what activity is the most fun for the people in the particular group and when is the most convenient.
“This is my first Galentine’s thing, and my friends and I are having a board night,” Hester said.
Board night is a common party tradition. Everyone chooses a specific appetizer or dessert to bring on a cutting board to share with everyone else. The theme is usually savory or sweet.
An example of an activity could be wearing all pink, red or purple to celebrate the holiday’s popular colors. Another popular activity is preparing different crafts or taking pictures together.
It is a tradition that empowers young girls and strengthens friendships.
“I’ll participate in Galentine’s in the future because I love getting dressed up with my friends and dedicating time to them,” senior Edie Zumbiel said.
No holidays are focused solely on friendship, making this Valentine’s spin-off memorable.
“I plan to continue celebrating Galentines’s in the future because showing appreciation for friends is just as meaningful as celebrating romantic relationships,” Fisher said.
It shifts the holiday’s focus onto all forms of love in a beautiful and unifying way.
“Galentine’s gives friends a chance to show each other how they see and love their friends,” junior Alexa Lansbury said. ”Our relationships with each other can then strengthen through celebration and appreciation.”
