Antivalentinism
Encyclopedia
Antivalentinism refers to a set of criticisms of Saint Valentine's Day
(February 14). These tend to fall into two categories, one anticonsumerist and the other an objection to the "forced" observation of romantic love
. These two objections can exist independently, so that one antivalentinist might exchange hand made gifts with his or her beloved and spend time together without spending any money, and another might go shopping or partying with single friends.
The criticism of forced observation of romantic love is based on the idea that if a person is forced by culture to profess or observe their love to another (especially on a universally agreed-upon day), or else suffer within the relationship as a consequence of not doing so, then there is no free will in said expression and thus it is not love. There also exists the objection to Valentine's Day on the grounds that for romantically unattached people, Valentine's Day is only a magnifier of the fact that they are unattached, quite possibly against their will and efforts.
has been dubbed as a "Hallmark holiday
" (a reference to the Hallmark
greeting card company based in the United States). The moniker is used due to the millions of valentines exchanged each Valentine's Day; a large portion of cards that are purchased in the U.S. are Hallmark cards.
Many companies and businesses make large profits from selling massive amounts of cards, flowers, chocolates, candies, stuffed animals and other gifts which can lead to those with a significant other feeling they are expected to purchase such gifts, whether they want to or not. Some people believe this takes away from the values, significance and meaning of Valentine's Day.
(SAD) is a play on Valentine's Day that is usually celebrated on the 14th of February or an adjacent day to get away from the commercialism of Valentine's Day.
Some critics of Valentine's Day hold "Anti-Valentine's Day" events, whose title is often shortened to "anti-V.D Day." (The initials V.D. are more commonly used to mean "venereal disease"; thus, the wordplay warns against the unbridled sexual passion seemingly promoted by Valentine's Day.)
Valentine's Day
Saint Valentine's Day, commonly shortened to Valentine's Day, is an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. The day is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine, and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 496...
(February 14). These tend to fall into two categories, one anticonsumerist and the other an objection to the "forced" observation of romantic love
Romantic love
Romance is the pleasurable feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love.In the context of romantic love relationships, romance usually implies an expression of one's love, or one's deep emotional desires to connect with another person....
. These two objections can exist independently, so that one antivalentinist might exchange hand made gifts with his or her beloved and spend time together without spending any money, and another might go shopping or partying with single friends.
The criticism of forced observation of romantic love is based on the idea that if a person is forced by culture to profess or observe their love to another (especially on a universally agreed-upon day), or else suffer within the relationship as a consequence of not doing so, then there is no free will in said expression and thus it is not love. There also exists the objection to Valentine's Day on the grounds that for romantically unattached people, Valentine's Day is only a magnifier of the fact that they are unattached, quite possibly against their will and efforts.
Commercialism
Valentine's DayValentine's Day
Saint Valentine's Day, commonly shortened to Valentine's Day, is an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. The day is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine, and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 496...
has been dubbed as a "Hallmark holiday
Hallmark holiday
"Hallmark holiday" is a disparaging term, used predominantly in the United States, to describe a holiday that is perceived to exist primarily for commercial purposes, rather than to commemorate a traditionally significant event...
" (a reference to the Hallmark
Hallmark Cards
Hallmark Cards is a privately owned American company based in Kansas City, Missouri. Founded in 1910 by Joyce C. Hall, Hallmark is the largest manufacturer of greeting cards in the United States. In 1985, the company was awarded the National Medal of Arts....
greeting card company based in the United States). The moniker is used due to the millions of valentines exchanged each Valentine's Day; a large portion of cards that are purchased in the U.S. are Hallmark cards.
Many companies and businesses make large profits from selling massive amounts of cards, flowers, chocolates, candies, stuffed animals and other gifts which can lead to those with a significant other feeling they are expected to purchase such gifts, whether they want to or not. Some people believe this takes away from the values, significance and meaning of Valentine's Day.
Alternatives
Singles Awareness DaySingles Awareness Day
"Singles Awareness Day" is a humorous holiday, celebrated on February 14 . It serves as an alternative to Valentine's Day for people who are single, that is, not involved in a romantic relationship. Some people who observe S.A.D...
(SAD) is a play on Valentine's Day that is usually celebrated on the 14th of February or an adjacent day to get away from the commercialism of Valentine's Day.
Some critics of Valentine's Day hold "Anti-Valentine's Day" events, whose title is often shortened to "anti-V.D Day." (The initials V.D. are more commonly used to mean "venereal disease"; thus, the wordplay warns against the unbridled sexual passion seemingly promoted by Valentine's Day.)