Why is Galentine’s Day (February 13) celebrated? « Back to Questions List

Galentine's Day is a simple concept evolving in the line of Valentine’s Day. Celebrating female friendship and reveling in the company of close female friends is the concept of Galentine's Day. While Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love by couples, Galentine's Day celebrates platonic love among women, both single and married. The day falls on February 13, one day ahead of Valentine's Day. 

This Day has its roots in the US.  Galentine's Day was born in 2010 during an episode of the American sitcom, Parks and Recreation. One of the episodes telecasted the main character Leslie Knope hosting a brunch on February 13 for her best gal pals. The character was pictured as presenting hand-knit presents and praising her friends. The role was played by Amy Poehler. Thereon, Galentine's Day gained popularity. It has gradually evolved as a concept of female empowerment and ‘ladies celebrating ladies’. The episode was so popular making the team to reprise the celebration in subsequent seasons and the Day too gained popularity each year. 4.98 million household viewers are estimated to have watched the episode. 

Now, the girls world over have started arranging parties, meeting lady friends and contacting friends at long distances over phone. Valentine’s Day celebrates love of couples and hence it create a feeling of unworthiness and failure if a girl does not have someone to go to dinner with on the Day. For them, facing the onslaught of Valentine’s Day flowers, candy and marketing is devastating. In an era of women empowerment, where single female is also an accepted norm, Galentine's Day is portrayed as a means of sweet revenge too.

In a short span, Galentine’s Day has evolved from a semi-joke to a serious affair. It has become a semi-holiday and is generating big money through skillful marketing. Many businesses are now thriving around the theme. Themed products like cards, special gifts, cookies, candies, paintings etc have become the order of the celebration. Restaurants are extending happy hours and retailers are offering discounts. Girls arrange parties, exchange flowers and trade compliments. For many, Galentine's day is just a good excuse to bring their best friends together and reflect on people who support them in life.   

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