Dear Reader,

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY. I love love, we both love love, and we hope you love love. If you don’t love love I don’t know what is wrong with you, sorry.

Enjoy reading,

Zoe and Christiana

What's the Scoop?

What's the Buzz?

Heritage Hullabaloo

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People’s thoughts on Valentine’s Day

Sophie:

What’s your take on Valentine’s Day?:

Last year, I was doing schoolwork on Valentine’s day so my take on Valentine’s day is that it should be during summer break, like why is it in the middle of our semester when we have so many things do and we end up just studying? It should be on the 14th of July, I’m aware that it’s the date of the national holiday in France, but I think it should also be Valentine’s Day.

Any plans for this year’s February 14th?

I will be making heart shaped pizzas with the lovely lady right here (points to Christy) and the lovely lady Delphine. I did get Ferrero Rocher’s last year so I’m hoping to get the same for this year. I do have a boyfriend, he’s just not in the same city as me so nothing will be happening with him on the 14th because it’s in the middle of the week.

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Heritage Hullabaloo

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People’s thoughts on Valentine’s Day

Hailey:

How do you feel about Valentine’s Day?:

I think Valentine’s Day is good if you have someone to spend it with, someone to celebrate it with, I guess. It’s always nice to have someone appreciate you and acknowledge that.

Daila:

Any thoughts on Valentine’s Day?:

Valentine’s Day is cool, obviously Valentine’s day and Galentine’s day are the same thing. Celebrate it with a loved one whether it’s a friend or a romantic partner. For date ideas, I love a good picnic, in February, in the snow, I saw a few videos of people bringing charcuterie boards and wine on chairlifts and I’m like hell yeah, sounds good to me!

Heritage Hullabaloo

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Bianca Martin aka the Indigenous Student life advisor

How do you feel about Valentine’s Day?:

Valentine’s day is a commercial holiday rooted in capitalism, but I think it’s a nice sentiment to encourage people to show all kinds of love and not just romantic love. I think it’s also about friendship and family love and I think it’s a good thing that lately it’s been encouraged to hang out with your friends and have a Galentine’s day, for example, and less about making people feel less than for being single on that day like it was when I was younger. Valentine’s day can be a reminder that other people are very happy in doing all these things because they tend to post it on social media, so you sometimes feel like you have to do grandiose gestures but honestly I just want some quality time with a partner because that’s what I enjoy. Try not to compare what you’re doing to the grandiose things others are doing.

Heritage Hullabaloo

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People’s thoughts on Valentine’s Day

Bianca Martin aka the Indigenous Student life advisor

How does being the Indigenous student life advisor relate to Valentine’s Day?

Because of the Indigenization of modern things, we like to do beading on Valentine’s Day sort of like how some people give valentine’s day cards we’ll bead something like a heart or even cupid instead. Like a lot of commercial holidays indigenous people have taken it and made it their own but I wouldn’t say that we have our own twist on Valentine’s Day other than adding our own art to it.

Heritage Hullabaloo

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People’s thoughts on Valentine’s Day

Samuel:

How do you feel about celebrating Valentine’s Day?

I think it’s cute when you have a significant other but when you don’t, I think it’s horrible and annoying because who wants to see that?. Me personally, I get annoyed at every couple I see because why are you happy and I’m not?

What kind of gift would you like to receive?

I’m Mexican so I’d like a heart shaped box full of tacos and a little bit of alcohol for some fun and then to go bowling while drunk, not sober. ( he’s over 18 folks)

Brooke:

What’s your opinion on Valentine’s Day?:

I think it’s stupid, I think it makes people without a partner feel really sad and it’s just a reason to cry but it’s a happy day for people in relationships I guess except for the part where they have to spend money on one another.

Heritage Hullabaloo

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People’s thoughts on Valentine’s Day

Kiera:

Do you like Valentine’s Day:

I love it, it’s such a cute little human holiday that humans made, and I think that it’s so cute.

Do you have any date ideas?

Date ideas? I don’t know because I’m painfully single (“Hit her up” -Jason) but for plans I think if you’re single, like I am, but you have friends, which I hope you do, you should all get together and have a Galentine’s, I know it’s a little basic but it’ll make a single Valentine’s a little more interesting and less miserable.

Delia:

How do you feel about Valentine’s Day?:

I think it’s pretty chill, lots of people get sour about it but I don’t think that it’s worth it and I think that they should enjoy their own presence. If you are in a relationship though baking and watching a movie is romantic as hell.

Heritage Hullabaloo

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People’s thoughts on Valentine’s Day

Meghan:

What are your thought on Valentine’s Day?:

As my mother says; It’s just a holiday for companies to make money. In my opinion it’s a bit sweeter than that. I think it should be about being with the people you love, it doesn’t have to be with your significant other, it can be with anybody you love. Me and my boyfriend are probably going to stay home and cook a meal together, watch a movie and just have a cozy night on Valentine’s Day.

Mikka:

How do you feel about Valentine’s Day?:

I think it’s cute, a little day that celebrates love. This year for Valentine’s Day I will be at a wedding in Mexico. My dad is going to be the best man and it is taking place in Mexico because my dad’s friend is from Canada and his wife to-be is from Chili so they are meeting in the middle so everyone has to pay around the same amount to get to the wedding.

Heritage Hullabaloo

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People’s thoughts on Valentine’s Day

Connor Spearman aka the college librarian:

How does your role at the library relate to Valentine’s Day?:

Well, this year, we are doing Blind date with a book, which is where students will choose a book that we’ve covered up and written a short descriptive line on and the student gets to choose a book to discover without seeing the book before-hand. How libraries usually engage with Valentine’s Day is usually by offering programming. Especially because February tends to be a pretty depressing month it is nice to feel that there’s someone there and that there’s something there for you, like books, resources and fun activities.

Do you have any plans for Valentine’s Day?

My partner and I have decided to start taking turns on planning out Valentine’s Day so this year it’s her turn. We usually tend to give each other small gifts and go out to get some diner.

Heritage Hullabaloo

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People’s thoughts on Valentine’s Day

Connor Spearman aka the college librarian:

Every year, she takes a frame and inside it is a whole bunch of images from my life throughout the year and she’ll find pictures of my friends for example, and she redoes this frame every year. She first did it when we moved up here and she’s been doing it every year since, so I’m looking forward to that tradition. I like the gimmicky stuff, when I first started dating my partner, I got her every single shticky Valentine’s Day gift but with time we decided on adopting a better tradition so we evolved it, even though it was kind of fun. I like putting a spin on the commercial aspect to the holiday because it is a deeply disturbed way to pray on loneliness, so I think we often have to confront some sort of pain during that time. Because Valentine’s day is so commercial it can get overwhelming but I always like to focus on the fun things you can do. I think it could be fun to do something like we did at Christmas where we exchanged a book and read all evening. Last year we went to the board game café and played some games. I just enjoy spending time with my partner no matter what it is that we are doing.

WHAT IS lOVE?

By: Branda Vijey

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I used to battle with the meaning of love for a long time. I used to think that there were two types of love: the type of love that you share with your family, and the type that you would share with a significant other. But, as I grew older, I would question its significance, especially within the many types of relationships I had with other people.

What would you call the love that occurs within a friendship? Is it the same as how you would love your family? What about finding your significant other? Was there a process to that?

I used to think that the fairytale stories that I grew up listening to would come true for me. That my one true love would find me. Then, ask me out. Then, nurturing a trusting loving bond. But, that hasn’t happened yet. I still keep thinking about whether it will actually happen to me. And it didn’t.

To be honest, when I hear other people mention the enthralling relationship they are in with their partner, I can’t help feeling a pang of jealousy. I would think What about me? Why hasn’t this happened to me yet? I even felt that I wasn’t mature enough for my age just because I haven’t experienced this feeling with anyone yet.

WHAT IS lOVE?

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But now, I don’t feel that way anymore. I discovered that there is a love within the many friendships I have formed of the many people I talk to. I have close friendships with some, not as close friendships with others. The bonds that I have formed within these people have helped me realize that love doesn’t have to be fostered with one person; it can be within many people.

Every now and then, I will still wonder whether I will encounter a close relationship with anyone. But I’m not going to feel bad about it. Or sad. I know what the meaning of love is. At least for me. The meaning for you, well, it’s yours to discover.

Love shouldn’t just be seen as an affectionate feeling within one person. The word has much more meaning than that. It can be felt within many people, and the affection that one shows to another person, even if it’s through a simple gesture, can mean a lot.

Valentine's Day, a celebration now associated with love and affection, has a rich and mysterious history that traces its roots back to Ancient Rome and Medieval Europe. The history of this celebration linked to a web of mythology, religious narratives, and cultural transformations.

The earliest traces of Valentine's Day can be found in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, celebrated in mid-February. This was a fertility festival, dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture. The connection between Lupercalia and modern Valentine's Day seems weak, the festival marked a time of joy, fertility, and, most importantly, the anticipation of spring.

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The Christianization of ancient pagan festivals often involved adapting existing traditions into a more religious context, and Valentine's Day is no exception. The association with love began with St. Valentine, a Christian martyr who lived during the Roman Empire. The identity of St. Valentine is unknown, but some sources suggest that St. Valentine defied the Roman Emperor Claudius II's decree prohibiting young men from getting married, as the emperor believed that single men made better soldiers. Valentine continued to perform marriages in secret, until he eventually payed the ultimate price for his defiance.

a SHORT hISTORY ON vALENTINE’S DAY<3

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The association between St. Valentine and love was further solidified during his imprisonment. According to the legend, he healed the jailer's blind daughter and, before his execution, sent her a note signed "from your Valentine," a phrase that has become a hallmark of modern Valentine's Day cards. While historical accuracy is challenging to ascertain, the blending of Christian martyrdom with romantic elements laid the foundation for the romanticized image of St. Valentine that endures today.

Throughout the Middle Ages, Valentine's Day continued to evolve, intertwining with the traditions of courtly love. The medieval concept of courtly love emphasized chivalry, devotion, and admiration between knights and noblewomen. It was during this period that the association between love and Valentine's Day gained momentum, with poets like Geoffrey Chaucer and William Shakespeare contributing to the romantic allure of the day through their literary works.

Chaucer's poem, "Parlement of Foules," written in the 14th century, is often credited with establishing the link between Valentine's Day and romantic love. In the poem, Chaucer associates the feast day of St. Valentine with the mating of birds, portraying it as a day when nature and love come together. Shakespeare, in his play "Hamlet," further immortalizes Valentine's Day with the famous line, "To-morrow is Saint Valentine's day, all in the morning betime, and I a maid at your window, to be your Valentine."

a SHORT hISTORY ON vALENTINE’S DAY<3

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As the centuries progressed, Valentine's Day underwent various transformations. In the 18th century, the exchange of handwritten notes, known as "valentines," became a popular practice. These notes often contained sentimental verses and were adorned with lace, ribbons, and intricate illustrations. The Industrial Revolution facilitated the mass production of valentines, making them more accessible to the general population.

In the 20th century, the celebration of Valentine's Day expanded beyond the exchange of cards to include gifts such as chocolates, flowers, and romantic dinners. The commercialization of the holiday led to its widespread popularity, turning it into a cultural phenomenon celebrated across the globe. Today, Valentine's Day is not only a day for romantic partners but also an occasion to express love and appreciation to friends and family.

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Happy in a relationship: When Harry Met Sally…

The perfect rom-com, written by Nora Ephron and directed by Robb Reiner, When Harry Met Sally… shares a love story between a beautiful and charming woman named Sally (Meg Ryan), and an OK looking man named Harry (Billy Crystal). One of the most beautiful and tender parts of a relationship is talking about the moment a couple met or first locked eyes. Sharing first impressions and thoughts you had about the other when the relationship was still delicate is a highly romantic conversation, and this film is bound to spark that!

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Alone and a lesbian: Bottoms

I would never suggest Portrait of a Lady on Fire to a lonely woman who loves other women. I want them to be happy, not sad. So, I suggest Bottoms by Emma Seligman. Released this past year, the film stars Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edibiri, two best friends in high school who are both lesbians and they each have crushes on the two most popular girls in school. Trust me, it’s hilarious and bogus, and you’ll be smiling by the end of the film. (AND, the characters do not end up with men, nor each other).

Asexual and aromantic: Wreck-it-ralph: Ralph breaks the internet.

If you are someone who is both asexual, aromantic, and not looking for any sort of relationship (apart from friendship) for a long time, I recommend the second installment of Wreck-it-Ralph. There is no though behind this recommendation except that I think most anyone could watch it. A baby, an old man, and asexual and aromantic teenager. Easy to watch and funny to laugh at and with.

Woman recently broken up with who is angry and seeking revenge on her ex-boyfriend: Gone Girl

Likely one of the greatest feminist films of all time, if you are mad at man this film will fuel the fire inside of you. The screenplay by Gillian Flynn paired with David Fincher’s directorial style makes for a slick thriller that can be viewed as a feminist theory film or a man’s worst nightmare. If you are a woman seeking revenge on her current boyfriend or ex-boyfriend, I urge you to use this film as a instruction guide on how to do so!

Crushing hard on somebody who does not want you: Free Guy

Take your mind off of things, nothing will help you. You need to forget and move on and pretend this person doesn’t exist because it will seriously do you good. The one answer to this dilemma is Free Guy, because it is mindless garbage. The plot is fast paced and, for lack of a better term, stupid.

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Single, hanging out with your girlfriends: Notting Hill

The best thing a girl can do on Valentines Day is spend the afternoon with her girls and watch Notting Hill while sharing champagne and a red velvet cake. There is no superior thing to do. No boyfriend or girlfriend could beat the love you have for your girls.

Single, hanging out with the boys: Fast and Furious (??)

I literally have no idea what boys do when they’re alone together.

By: Emj Campbell (They/Iel)

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is an animated TV series that is carried by the human (or humanoid) connections between its characters. Whether that be friendship, familial, romantic or less easily defined, relationships are presented with the complexities and fluidity that make them interesting. Though the backdrop of the show is the ongoing war on their planet Etheria, the actions taken by the characters come from a much more personal place. The moments of joy are ethereal (pardon the pun), and the betrayals cut deep.

The building and repairing of friendships is where the series thrives, but it leaves room for smooth sailing where the characters can enjoy the company of one another in relaxed environments or the midst of battle. The various members of the rebellion’s Princess Alliance have their friendships that are occasionally tested. The same can be said for the main trio of Glimmer, Bow and Adora (the titular She-Ra) aptly named The Best Friend Squad. Their relationship has a rocky start involving the capture of Adora who at that point was fully indoctrinated into the ways of the villainous Horde.

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Once she is faced with the reality of her morally dubious upbringing, and undergoes her magical girl transformation, their friendship really picks up steam. In the later seasons, there is a good deal of tension and fundamental disagreement between Adora and Glimmer that Bow is unfairly roped into, and the show takes its sweet time to resolve it in a realistic and satisfying way. The emotions are brilliantly dealt with, and the conflict comes from a true place based on the pre-established flaws within the characters. More importantly, the resolution feels earned and fought for. Their friendship is formed on the basis of trust and given their circumstances, they quite literally trust each other with their lives.

Each of the main characters have a fleshed-out relationship with their parental figures that aren’t always perfect. Bow spends a good deal of time lying to his dads about his active role in the rebellion for fear of disappointing them before the simple act of communication leaves them all in a better place as a family. Glimmer feels pressured to live up to her potential as the daughter of the immortal queen of the kingdom of Bright Moon, meanwhile her mother tries to prevent her from being in battle for fear of losing her. Glimmer’s father is out of the picture (for a valid reason for once) and his being an incredibly powerful sorcerer in his own right only amplifies her feeling of inadequacy. Glimmer and her mother bicker constantly, but the show also reminds the audience of the deep care that they have for each other and that though their ideas differ they only wish to protect the other.

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The most egregious parental relationship involves Adora, Catra (the show’s primary antagonist) and the woman who raised them: Shadow Weaver. As her name suggests, she is as nurturing as they come. None of the three are related, but seeing as Catra and Adora were orphaned and wound up in a military base as infants, there was no one else to fill that type of role. Luckily, she ended up being incredibly manipulative and left lasting trauma in both of them that not only affected how they felt towards her, but also Adora and Catra’s relationship as a whole. She would have won parent of the year if the Horde had not been too busy invading Etheria to have such a ceremony. Bow and Glimmer’s parents were never ones to follow the evil practices of the Horde and the two ended up with much more of a positive experience as a result. Funny how that happens.

There are many canonical romantic pairings within the world of the show, but the one with the most development and impact on the plot is Catra and Adora. Their love story begins with an over-reliance on each other as children, dealingwith an environment that is unsuitable for them. Even though there are other Horde cadets their age who they befriend, Catra never feels as though she has anyone without Adora. This attachment leads to her deep sense of betrayal when Adora leaves her behind to join the Princess Alliance. Though Adora makes it clear on multiple occasions that she would love for her to come with her, Catra’s stubbornness prevents her from doing so. She would rather burn the world to the ground than let the woman she loves win after abandoning her. It is a tough place to be in and what she actually wants is to be back with Adora. Simply put, she is a traumatized mess.

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Catra’s feeling of betrayal drives much of the plot and conflict until the final season when the pair is finally able to reconcile. In a similar vain to Zuko’s from Avatar: The Last Airbender, Catra slowly makes amends and redeems herself. It is an expertly crafted arc, and the writers do a stellar job of showing the love between them through their numerous troubles in paradise. Much like the Glimmer and Adora’s conflict, their resolution does not feel forced. It is well paced, intentional, and ends up being very sweet. The show went out of its way to make their story worthwhile, and they succeeded wonderfully.

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is a series that takes place during a war while not being about war. The characters are the focal point and the way they navigate their relationships with the people around them is the most important element. They are also affected by these relationships, and they cause them to behave in varying ways. The characters are written in a way that makes the viewer eager to see the end of their conflicts. Their relationships are incredibly impactful and when predominantly positive, they have a great amount of beauty imbedded within them.

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Student Submission

By: Anonymous

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Horoscopes by thog:will you find love this year?

Mio Zoe Mclean or Christiana Moldovan or dm us on instagram @TheHeritagecurrent