Galentine's Day (observance)
Galentine's Day is a global[1] holiday that celebrates women's friendship.[2] Galentine's Day is typically marked as February 13, but can be observed any day between February 1 and Valentine's Day. Galentine's Day events are typically all-female occasions of mutual "empowerment...a reminder for women to support and uplift one another."[1]
While Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope is considered by many to be the patron saint of Galentine's Day, the annual festival of sisterhood was imagined into existence by the Parks and Recreation writing staff led by Michael Schur.[3] Galentine's Day merchandise is now sold at mainstream outlets like Walmart, Party City,[3] Amazon and Etsy.[4] Retailers also use the holiday a pretext for organizing pop-up shops marketing products to female customers[4] and resorts and restaurants offer Galentine's themed package deals.[5]
An advice column in a London newspaper described the protocol of Galentine's Day:[5]
Just remember that Galentine's Day was born out of rebel spirit, intended as a rebuff to the conventions of Valentine's Day. It's about doing exactly what you want to do, and feeling thankful for having friends that let you do it."[5]
Michelle Obama celebrated Galentine's Day in 2020 and posted a photo on her Instagram and Twitter. The caption read, "This #GalentinesDay, I want to shout out my girlfriends who help me stay sane and grounded through all of life's ups and downs...Whether we're catching up over the phone, venting over a cup of coffee, or laughing it out during an 80s-themed workout, I know I can lean on these ladies—and that's made all the difference." The official Parks & Recreation Twitter replied with a GIF of Leslie Knope expressing approval.[6]
References
- ^ a b Harmata, Claudia (2020-02-13). "What Is Galentine's Day? How Parks and Recreation Created a Holiday Celebrating Female Friendships". Peoplemag. Retrieved 2023-02-06.
- ^ "Words We're Watching: 'Galentine's Day'". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2023-02-06.
- ^ a b BAHR, SARAH (February 2020). "Happy Galentine's Day". Indianapolis Monthly. pp. 11–12.
- ^ a b Holman, Jordan (2020-02-13). "Amy Poehler Invented Galentine's Day, Now Retailers Are Seizing On It". Bloomberg.com. Retrieved 2023-02-06.
- ^ a b c Hart, Anna (2020-02-08). "How to navigate the protocol of Galentine's Day". Sunday Telegraph. London.
- ^ Neumann, Sean (February 13, 2020). "Michelle Obama Celebrates 'Galentine's Day' with Her Friends — and Parks and Recreation Responds". People.com.