Monday was Columbus Day, a day celebrating Christopher Columbus accidentally bumping into the Bahamas. For some reason or another, the federal government recognizes this as a national holiday. It is a joke that most banks and governmental offices are closed, mail delivery is cancelled, and the stock market is taking a day off.
Honestly, Columbus has as much to do with the founding of the United States as NATO does with policing the world community. There is a slight connection, but we give them way too much credit for doing absolutely nothing. The United States government is celebrating and glorifying a man who never set foot in North America. Other than Columbus Day, though, the other nine federal holidays are legitimate.
However, let our attention turn towards another October holiday that is gaining in popularity, which is Sweetest Day. Watch out, guys, because this is St. Valentine's evil twin stepsister waiting to take your money. Typically birthdays, anniversaries, and Valentine's Day were the only three days critical to maintaining the social expectations of a relationship, which was challenging in itself. Yet, by introducing a relatively new holiday the bar has been raised.
Sweetest Day falls on the third Saturday of October every year. It is not a federally recognized holiday, but nonetheless, is beginning to hold the same prestige as other commercialized holidays like Mother's Day, Father's Day, Valentine's Day, etc. The day was originally created to bring happiness to the lives of people who have been forgotten, like orphans, widows, and the elderly. In recent years though, the day has come to express love between romantic partners.
In reality, the concepts behind these holidays are well intended and can be very special and memorable. Yet, the big problem with the commercialization of fake holidays that do not represent important religious or national events is that they take a toll on the pocket book. In no way am I trying to be the fun police, but these Hallmark holidays have become driving economic forces for gift shop companies and ridiculous social obligations for both males and females.-á
Hallmark holidays other than Valentine's Day and Sweetest Day are Secretary's Day, Boss's Day, Children's Day, Father's Day, Friendship Day, Grandparent's Day, and Mother's Day.
In total, there are nine highly commercialized holidays that primarily benefit gift shop companies. Hypothetically, a person who spends roughly twenty dollars a gift for each holiday is going to be spending around one hundred and eighty dollars a year. Spending excessive amounts on money to display how much one person cares for another should not be necessary or a huge factor in a serious relationship.
To be fair, not all highly commercialized holidays are a burden. For example, another highly commercialized October holiday is Halloween. The difference between this commercial revenue machine and Hallmark holidays is that people do not see it as a social burden or responsibility, but as a fun experience. Halloween is a time for people to let their crazy alter ego loose by dressing up in an outlandish costume.-á
The bottom line is that America's holidays are hit or miss.-á
Clearly many people embrace and enjoy the Hallmark holidays for their simplicity and superficial value, which is okay. It is only unfortunate that many commonly celebrated American holidays have turned into commercialized events. In the end, it really only matters on what you want to celebrate and recognize - except for Columbus Day.
Travis O'Neill is a junior language arts and communication major and writes 'The O Report' for the Daily News. His views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper.
Write to Travis at tjoneill@bsu.edu.
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