“Serious things cannot be understood without laughable things, nor opposites at all without opposites.”
-Plato
Last Tuesday was a first for me. While walking down the hallway of Altoona High’s B Building early in the morning, I noticed that I was wearing two completely different shoes. I’m actually kind of surprised it took as long as it did for this to happen, but that’s the risk you run when you have an affinity for slip-on footwear. The mistake got me both laughing and thinking, particularly about this coming Wednesday.
Next week, for the first time since 1945, Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday will fall on the same day. Two days that couldn’t be anymore opposite. One is dedicated to materialism and feasting, while the other represents sacrifice and fasting. And while very different in nature, both involve the word love, albeit in very different ways.
The Ancient Greeks gave the world much. From democracy to architecture to athletics, their contributions seem endless. Their influence is seen everywhere. Maybe the most underrated and unappreciated gift to humanity is their classifications when it comes to the different types of love.
Our American culture spends a lot of time on the topic of love, and depending on where you do your research, it seems everyone has a spin on the long-held viewpoints pertaining to this wide-ranging concept. Sometimes all folks want is an unbiased interpretation and the best way to find one would be by turning to the dictionary.
Most humans, at one time or another, have experienced each of the following eight definitions of love:
Eros: Physical love or sexual desire. The type of love that involves passion, lust, or romance.
Philia: The love at the root of all friendships.
Storge: Familial love or the natural love family members have for one another.
Mania: Obsessive love for either people or objects.
Ludus: Non-committed love, playful in nature.
Pragma: A practical form of love that is obligatory in nature. Often seen in arranged marriages.
Philautia: Love of self, much like self-esteem.
Agape: Unconditional, sacrificial and selfless love.
People rarely differentiate between the various definitions of love as the Ancient Greeks did; rather, we experience each throughout our lives without giving the type a second thought. This Wednesday, two of the above definitions will take center stage and vie to be the more important love for the day—Eros and Agape.
While both are beautiful expressions in their own way, Eros always expects something in return, while agape inspires us “To give and not count the cost.” Today, Eros has become the most sought after form of love and a major focus of our society, while the importance of Agape seems a distant second. Maybe a good goal for this season of sacrifice would be to put a renewed importance on unconditional, selfless, sacrificial love.
“Ashentine’s Day” (might need to put that on a t-shirt) will create an interesting dynamic to be sure as many folks will have to decide which form of love will take precedence for the day. That warm, full and fuzzy feeling or the cold, stomach- growling, am I really going to give up sweets for 45 days sensation. Indulgence or denial? It will certainly be a war of attrition throughout the day for millions everywhere. The classic angel on one shoulder, devil on the other duel if there ever was one.
Here’s hoping a balance can be struck by folks who observe both days. Three things are for certain: steakhouses better be stocked up on fish, the chocolate industry should be prepared for lower than normal sales, and many Christians will be sporting a dark, blotchy cross on their foreheads, because this year we will be putting the LENT back into Valentine’s Day on a rare convergence of hearts and ashes.
-Tommy O’Sionnach
Hahahahahahahaha
Oh no!!!!! I need to do better research! And thank you!!!!