St Valentine’s Day has been around for centuries, and has taken many forms. But Gen Z is taking a whole new approach to the holiday. According to Internet Retailing, Gen Z’s new way of celebrating Valentine’s Day has been dubbed “Zalentines”. But what is that? What is being done differently this year?
The history of St Valentine’s Day
The first recording of Valentine’s Day was from the 14th century, although there were other similar holidays dating earlier. It has been suggested that it originated from the Roman holiday Lupercalia, celebrating fertility and spring.
The legends go that St Valentine was martyred and sent a letter to his jailer’s daughter. It was signed “from your Valentine,” and the rest is history. Another alternative is that St Valentine defied orders and secretly married couples to spare the husbands from going off to war. Either way, it evolved into a holiday for couples to celebrate their love for one another.
The concept of a Valentine’s Day card originated in France, which is very fitting! Charles, Duke of Orleans, sent love letters to his wife whilst jailed in 1415.
So, what is Gen Z doing?
“Galentines” is becoming ever more popular. Parks & Rec’s Leslie Knope coined the phrase back in 2010. It is a day to celebrate female friendships! Some restaurants even offer some special “Galentines” menus! Whether it be a boozy night watching the best rom coms, or a self-care day with face masks and bubbles, this day of sisterhood is a popular alternative to the traditional Valentine’s. Your girls have always got your back! Treat them and yourself to an unforgettable day!
Following the success of “Galentines”, many Gen Z-ers have been celebrating their friendships this time of year, and is more inclusive than the It has been dubbed “Palentine’s day”! Finland is one country that only celebrates friendship on February 14th, instead of romantic love. Single people don’t feel left out, and those in relationships can have fun and celebrate the love they have for their BFFs. 60% of people said they are celebrating Valentine’s Day with their friends, rather than a romantic partner, this year. Your friendships should be celebrated, too!
A day to celebrate being single
For those Gen Z-ers who aren’t in a relationship, this time of year can be hard, especially those who have just gone through a breakup. However, Singles Awareness Day is a little pick-me-up. According to Yahoo! Live, Dustin Barnes began promoting it in 2001, celebrating on February 15th, to get cheaper chocolate and candy! It is a fun way for people to embrace being single. It’s a bit tongue-in-cheek, with the initials being S.A.D, but it can be great for you and your mates to feel a little bit better this February. Plus, there is even a song! What’s not to love?
Keeping it lowkey
However, many people will be spending Valentine’s Day with their significant other, myself included! However, according to MSN, but also just from talking to my friends about their plans, it seems that many members of Gen Z aren’t going for an extravagantly romantic day, instead opting for a relaxed and simple one this year. Some of my friends are going out for lunch, rather than a fine dining meal. Others don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day at all! It’s just another day; their relationship is a priority all 365 days of the year.
It’s the thought that counts
The focus on Valentine’s Day for younger couples is about the connection between them, the little things. Whether it’s a favourite home-cooked meal or a cosy movie night in the living room, Gen Z aren’t worried about going all out to impress. It’s more authentic. Also, with inflation and the cost of living crisis, many young couples can’t afford the picture-perfect date nights.
It isn’t just the date that there has been a shift in for Gen Z’s Valentine’s Day. I have seen people online making handmade gifts for their partners this Valentine’s Day. It seems that Gen Z is more thankful for a meaningful gift, rather than an expensive gift.
There also seems to be a priority of experience, rather than expense. At the end of the day, just being with each other is enough. Oldest.org sums this up perfectly: low effort does not mean low intent.
There are definitely plenty of ways to celebrate February 14th. Whether it be with your mates, your girls, your family, your pets, or with the one you love. Whether you keep it low-key or you’re splashing the cash, enjoy! According to Gen Z, there is certainly no right or wrong way to celebrate! Enjoy your special day regardless!
