February 14, 2012 at 1:48 PM

It’s Valentine’s Day!

What began in ancient Rome, Valentine’s Day is now celebrated as the “lover’s” holiday. With chocolates, teddy bears, even stars are renamed in an effort to say howdy-do and “I love you.”

Over 1 billion Valentine Cards are sent each year according to the History Channel.

“I’ll send to cards to my mom and grandmother, to my aunt and boyfriend,” said Emily Sabo, sophomore (Spanish-education). Sabo sat on a bench in the HUB-Robeson Center with her legs across her boyfriend Brad Bauer (senior-microbiology).

She said she also plans to spend time with Bauer.

The couple plans to keep Valentine’s Day casual, she said. We’ll probably stay in and celebrate with a home-cooked meal.

“I don’t think it’s a big deal, I’ll post-like three Facebook updates about it,” Bauer said.

They both agree that it’s best to be on the same page, because it makes for a better Valentine’s Day. Sabo said that she did mark her calendar with little hearts.

Bauer said he also values the holiday.

“I feel it’s like a mini-Thanksgiving, a chance to appreciate your loved ones,” Bauer said.

Many businesses and restaurants are busy preparing for the holiday.

Rotelli, 250 E. Calder Way, has introduced new dinner specials and is accepting reservations for Valentine’s Day.

David Krauth, Rotelli owner, said some new entrees are lobster ravioli and penne prosciutto.

Krauth said for more casual couples, the restaurant, will have caramelized onion and sausage pizza to compliment the 10 selections of wine. The restaurant will still be open for patrons of all ages.

But Valentine’s Day has its long-standing tradition of a candlelight dinner. McDonald’s, 442 E. College Ave., caters to younger couples on a budget.

The whole place will be dimmed and all tables will have tablecloths, roses on the tables, and hourly prizes given through a raffle, manager Kirsty LaRizzio, 21, , said. The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“It’s a place to go that’s cheap. Last year the grand prize was free McDonald’s for a year,” LaRizzio said.

Woodrings Floral Garden, 145 S. Allen St., offers itself as a “one-stop Valentine’s Day shop.”

“Lots of thing are available including stuffed animals, chocolate,” Mike Albright, manager, said. “We have pre-made bouquets, carnations, tulips but they’re not as popular as roses.”