Mr. Wawro, in his Feb. 14 column on the "dark" side of Valentine's Day, is correct in proposing that this, along with many other nationally celebrated holidays, has become increasingly commercialized over time.

For instance, originally the birth of Christ was celebrated by showering each other with expensive gifts. Furthermore, for Christians, Easter initially denoted the resurrection of Christ.

Now Easter baskets full of sweets are given under its auspice. Halloween presents us with yet another commercialized holiday. Originally a Celtic holiday for the offering of gifts to appease the deified dead of the ancient Celtic past, Halloween now gives children an opportunity to disguise themselves in the costume of their choice and to run from door to door asking for, of all things, candy.

Even our beloved Fourth of July is commemorated by many through the enjoyment of viewing millions of dollars of fireworks across the nation annually.

Each of these holidays has evolved from its original religious meaning to a more commercialized form, which is to be expected from a capitalistic society such as ours.

Not everyone agrees with the commercialization of these holidays, but what many do not realize is that these practices are an essential part of the popular rituals that help to form the basis of our society. In other words, these are TRADITIONS.

Dr. Robert C. Doyle, who teaches American Studies 105, Popular Culture and American Folklife, pointed out that "most popular celebrations have both religious and secular meanings. Our job is to understand the important cultural contexts and connotations in which thee celebrations take place."

Mr. Wawro, what you may not realize is that the feelings that are expressed in the giving of the traditional Valentine's presents of flowers and candy outlive the gifts themselves and can be just as eternal as your proposed ink.