Whether you’re buying the hubby a new knife sheath, hoping to get some Navajo pearls from the man you’re seeing, or simply outlawing the entire holiday, we’re here to give Western women a new perspective on Valentine’s Day. This holiday isn’t just about romance, it’s about rebellion. And we all know a certain rebellious cowgirl.
St. Valentine himself was rumored to be quite the romantic rebel, defying a decree in Rome that banned marriage for young men in an effort to create better soldiers. Through his actions, Valentine became a symbol of sacrificial love. Legend suggests he sent the very first “Valentine” from behind bars, declaring his love to a young girl in a handwritten letter. Valentine was every bit of a third-century love outlaw. While there are many legends surrounding the origins of Valentine’s Day, they all center around one idea, standing up for what you believe in, specifically love.
Romantic, heroic, and rebellious are just a few words used to describe St. Valentine. But we’ve got plenty more to describe the woman in our story. Western women weren’t made to follow the rules, they were made to break boundaries and pave their own way. Much like Valentine, Western women have gone against the grain throughout history, fighting for what they love, from rodeo to redefining Western style on their own terms. This Valentine’s Day, celebrate your Western woman the right way by honoring her devotion to her work, ranch life, and her loyalty not only to her horses, but to the people she loves.
Love doesn’t just exist in early 2000s rom-coms and sappy poems. It extends far beyond chocolates and flowers. Love is honoring tradition, committing to yourself, and choosing a life you’re proud of. Self-love and a deep love for what you do is exactly what it means to be a Western woman. Powerful women were meant to be celebrated, so this year, celebrate the Western woman.
Cupids, cards, teddy bears, and bouquets aren’t all there is to Valentine’s Day. It’s not just who you love, but what you love, whether that’s ranching, roping, teaching, or styling a new outfit. Love is everywhere. And everybody loves cowgirls.
So happy Valentine’s Day to Western women: their hands may be calloused and their faces wind-burnt, but they’re soft at heart.
XOXO W.W.
