While its origin has religious undertones, Valentine’s day has gained cultural significance over the years due its association with love. Celebrated annually on February 14, the day originally celebrated romantic love, but has since grown to celebrate platonic love, too. Clubs and organizations of Union college hosted exciting events across campus in the days leading up to Valentine’s day to embrace its associated romantic spirit and spread love across the student body.
On Friday, February 6, Beuth House organized ‘Beuthiful Valentines Bash’. The event included activities like cookie decorating, card making, and photo frame decorating, and was accompanied by Valentine’s day themed snacks, such as strawberries and pretzels paired with chocolate fountains. Many students utilized the event to make cards or decorate photo frames for their partners in preparation of the day. On the same day, Herizon, the BIPOC women’s club, hosted a Galentine’s party, which included jar painting, flowers, and some sweet treats. ‘Galentine’s’ is a term that is used to celebrate female friendships, and is a combination of the words ‘gal,’ which is slang for girl, and ‘Valentine’s.’
On February 13, the brothers of Theta Delta Chi fraternity collaborated with Resident Assistants from College Park Neighborhood to host ‘Roses at Reamer’. The organizers tabled on the first floor of Reamer Campus Center with a plethora of flowers for passers-by to pick, either for themselves or their loved ones. The event was a huge success, and students, professors, and staff members could be spotted carrying flowers in their hands or bags. That same night, Harris House hosted ‘Erotica Night’ in collaboration with various other campus organizations including Wicker Wellness and the Office of Intercultural Affairs. The aim of the event was to spread awareness about topics surrounding sex and sexuality, and included trivia, fun games, and exciting prizes.
On the day itself, the Association of Campus Events organized ‘Pottery Painting’ where students could paint mugs or heart-shaped trinket dishes and keep them. The event was a huge success and saw attendance from various students, accompanied by friends or partners. Breazzanno House hosted a Lego Flower Building event in the afternoon, and Active Minds also hosted a crafts making event.
Love is in the air and Union students definitely felt it this past weekend as they chose to celebrate Valentine’s day by enjoying one or more of the many offerings here at Union. What was your favorite event that you attended?
