Every February 13th, social media floods with posts of pink decorations, sweet treats, and group pictures, known as Galantine’s day. The unofficial holiday is used to celebrate the importance of friendships upon girls.
Galantine’s day started on the television show Parks and Recreation, where the character Leslie Knope described it as “Ladies celebrating ladies”. In the episode, Leslie gives her friends little personalized gifts to show her appreciation for them and everything they do.
Even though Galantine’s started off as a television show joke, it has blossomed to become such a universal “holiday”. As seen on the internet, girls all over the world get together, watch cute romcoms, and have snacks.
There is no specific way to throw a Galantine’s party, there’s different types. One type of party the internet is buzzing about is“TJ’s and PJ’s”, also known as Trader Joes and Pajamas. Everyone gets in their jammies and has all the snacks from Trader Joes and makes flower bouquets.
When it comes to the true meaning of what the day is all about, Ava Budlong, a Sophomore from Canby shares “Galantines is for watching cute movies with your friends and going to a brunch place and taking pictures together.”
Ava heard about the unique holiday from her mom as she had seen a video about it and was inspired to throw one herself. Ava also notes that one of her staples for Valentines day in general are the candy conversation hearts.
Although the trend is mainly shown upon teens , it extends past the High school level. Language Arts Teacher, Ms. Asher, shares how impactful having friends to celebrate with is. “High school is hard enough and it’s important to have people who can celebrate your for all the parts that are wonderful”
Asher shares one of her Galantine’s experiences was with another Wilsonville teacher, Ms. Kane. She also dives into her ultimate plans for her perfect day. “Its just going to be me, my friends, and our sweatpants. It will kind of be like how it was in college when we roomed together.”
Ms. Asher also describes making friends in high school as a twofold situation, “number one is to think of the fact that your friends are a reflection of who you are, and number two, your friends are meant to build you up not break you down.”
As she echoes the facts Ms. Asher just shared, Ms. Kane also speaks on the importance of female friendships. “Friendship with other girls is one of the true beauties in life, and some of those relationships will carry you through the hardest times, and they are everlasting.”
“Maybe we should all think about shifting away from the romantic aspect and more toward our friendships.” Kane’s point on thinking about friendships more really paints the big picture on what Galantine’s day is really about.
In the end, Galantine’s day is about way more than the decorations and the gifts. It’s about the importance of friendships and how they will always continue to build you up no matter how hard things get.
Whether it’s celebrated in classrooms, at work, with friends or with family, Galantine’s day the message about strong friendships always stays the same.