To ensure that the relationship between women is recognized and appreciated, Galentine’s Day offers a celebration that values the importance of female friendships.
According to Letterfest, the original idea for the holiday premiered on the TV show “Parks and Recreation” where the character Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, “declared February 13 as a day to celebrate the women in her life.”
Since then, the idea has caught on and has become a popular holiday celebrated by women all over the world.
Many women use this day to celebrate the women in their lives. From their friends to their sisters or other important women who deserve a day to feel loved and appreciated.
Because February 14 is marketed as the holiday to celebrate significant others and romantic partners, Galentine’s Day offers a day to celebrate the platonic relationships surrounding female friends.
For women and teen girls who may not have a “special someone” to celebrate Valentine’s Day with, the holiday may be lonely for those who feel they can not celebrate.
A Betterhelp survey revealed around 15 million adults in the U.S. say their mental health is worse around Valentine’s Day.
Just because someone may not be in a romantic relationship should not stop them from honoring other important relationships, like ones with their friends, during the holiday.
According to USA Today, February means “love is in the air—no matter what kind of love it is.”
Women typically use the day to go out to brunch with their friends, buy each other small gifts and spend the day showing each other their appreciation for one another.
Buying a bouquet of flowers for a romantic partner on Valentine’s Day does not lose value when bought for friends the day before.
The important takeaway is that someone else values your place in their life and is grateful for the relationship you and them have.
“Whether you have a close group of friends or just a few close confidantes, it’s a day to show your appreciation for the women in your life and to let them know how much you care,” Letterfest said.
According to Fox29, the idea surrounding Galentine’s has started to show up in national and international publications.
“Hallmark found that nearly 2 out of 3 of women who were purchasing cards around Valentine’s Day were doing so for non-romantic relationships, including friends and family,” Fox29 said.
This prompted Hallmark to release a line of Galentine’s Day cards celebrating platonic relationships around Valentine’s Day.
Galentine’s offers many opportunities for women to show their love and appreciation for arguably one of the most important relationships in one’s life: female friendships.