Galentine’s Day is a “day for women to celebrate their friendships with their lady friends.” Essentially, the meaning of Galentine’s Day is Valentine’s Day for your “gals.” Round of funding over the last few years dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to celebrate the community is higher than ever.

Social media platforms have millions of posts under #GalentinesDay honouring the holiday. It is popular in Washington DC, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey and California, according to National Today. 

Also Read | Valentine’s Day messages to send your boyfriend or girlfriend to express your love

American actress Amy Poehler can be credited for starting this tradition. The term “Galentine” was introduced during a February 2010 episode of Parks and Recreation, episode 16 of season 2 of the hit sitcom.

Major retailers and stores including Walmart and Target stock up on Galentine’s Day merchandise, and some people buy gifts or cards for their galentines. 

Also Read | American OTT platform Tubi’s Super Bowl commercial creates chaos among viewers, sparks memefest

Parallel to when sales of Valentines Day specific items are trending downwards, Hallmark found that nearly 2 of 3 women who bought gifts around Valentine’s Day, were buying for non-romantic relationships, including friends and family also. 

This turned the brand to introduce a line of Galentine’s Day cards and others celebrating platonic relationships. Activity-wise, brunch is a popular traditional event on Galentine’s Day, due to the “Parks and Recreation” episode. Find a fun brunch or dinner spot for you and your gal-pals, or make a meal at home.

Also Read | Hilarious Valentine’s day memes to have a good laugh with your partner with

Every year, more and more people are finding creative ways and choosing other activities to do together with their friends. Some people choose to have movie nights, sleepovers, spa trips, go ice skating, or host cooking lessons. Really, nothing is off-limits. The only rule of thumb is that you spend your Galentine’s Day celebrating your friends: no significant others are allowed.