Elementary schools require an all-or-nothing Valentine’s Day approach. Kids must bring enough valentines for the entire class or abstain from passing out cards. This rule ensures every child receives equal amounts of candy and no one feels left out. As we age, however, Valentine’s Day becomes centered around romantic love. Sweethearts exchange stuffed animals and chocolates. Couples order roses by the dozen and enjoy candle-lit dinners. The pressure to romance your partner is high.
In 2010, the television show Parks and Recreation introduced America to “Galentine’s Day.” This new holiday is a spin-off of traditional Valentine’s Day. Galentine’s Day celebrates female friendship rather than romantic love. “Gals” gather on February 13th to eat brunch, exchange gifts, and lift each other up. The idea caught fire in popular culture, and countless women participate in Galentine’s Day every year.
Guatemalans began celebrating friendship on Valentine’s Day long before Parks and Rec graced our tv screens. February 14th is “dia del cariño” or “affection day.” Romantic couples will exchange gifts but friends and family members also show one another care. Parents, siblings, and friends share presents, hugs, and kind words. Both Galentine’s Day and Dia del Cariño remind us that our elementary school instincts were right—all types of love deserve to be celebrated.
The Bible is full of commands to love one another. One of the most famous occurred during the Last Supper. The night he was betrayed, Jesus gathered with his disciples for Passover dinner. He undressed, wrapped a towel around his waist, and washed their feet. Peter was so stunned by the gesture that he initially protested Jesus’ actions. In a culture obsessed with status, the Son of God took on the role of a servant to show his love.
After he washed the disciples’ feet, Jesus commanded them: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34–35). For Jesus, love was more than a feeling. Jesus demonstrated his love for others every day. He listened to the little children and wept with those who grieved. He encouraged and challenged his friends to grow. He shared meals with outcasts and hugged those considered unclean. Jesus never had a romantic partner, but his life was devoted to love.
The Bible certainly commands spouses to love one another, but the majority of commandments about love refer to platonic relationships. Jesus tells us to love our enemies, neighbors, and the poor. We are to care for little children and widows and the hungry. Our acts of love should not be restricted to one day a year, but it is an undeniable fact that holidays can serve as important reminders to care for those around us. Valentine’s Day is an opportunity and a reminder to love one another. So whether you write a card, give a hug, make a meal, or donate to a worthy cause, take some time to show love to your neighbor.
And from Faith in Practice… Feliz dia del cariño!
