Happy Valentine's Day from the Minkology Team

By Sarah Hurley

Valentine’s Day is undoubtedly one of the most controversial holidays of the western world. The hopeless romantics of the world exchange hand-written cards, flowers, and chocolates as an expression of love, while cynics eschew the occasion as the product of capitalism—a marketing gimmick perpetuated by American candy companies to increase sales. But no matter your stance on Valentine’s Day, it’s impossible to say that love isn’t in the air when paper mâché hearts and candy garlands adorn every home, store, and elementary school classroom throughout the month of February.

Although there are many theories and myths surrounding the origins of Valentine’s Day, the most common story begins in third-century Rome, when Emperor Claudius II declared that single men made better soldiers; thus, young men were not allowed to marry. According to legend, a priest named Valentine took pity on young lovers and married them in secret, but when Claudius discovered this insubordination, he ordered Valentine to be imprisoned and executed. While imprisoned, he befriended his jailer’s blind daughter—whose eyesight, by some accounts, he restored—to whom he left a note signed “From your Valentine” before his execution on February 14, 270 AD. Valentine henceforth became known as the friend of sweethearts and a martyred saint of love and the sanctity of marriage.

Valentine’s Day, then, became an annual holiday celebrating love and lovers around the world. Every year on February 14, “Valentines” are exchanged between friends, family, and romantically attached individuals alike to express care and affection. Whether hand-made or store-bought—first mass-produced by the Hallmark company in 1913—Valentine’s Day cards are a staple of modern romance, as well as the achingly sweet sentiments included therein: “Be Mine, Valentine?” “Forever Yours.” “Truly, Madly, Deeply.”

But this February at Minkology, we’re celebrating a different kind of love—the love shared between our shop and the local community. From shop owners Ross and Wendi, our team of dedicated Minkologists, and our Pet Specialists, we want all of our beloved customers to know that Minkology is filled not only on February 14 but also year-round with affection and gratitude for their continued loyalty and support. Each day, we look forward to seeing the faces of repeat and first-time customers alike, learning more about their lives, and hearing their needs and wants in order to provide the best goods and services available. Truthfully, we wouldn’t be where—or who—we are today without our extraordinary customer base.

No matter if you’re celebrating the season of love with friends, family, or your partner this year, we are so honored to be a part of your community, your lives, and your hearts here at Minkology. This February, and every month after, we’d love to help you find the perfect gift for your loved ones or serve up a scoop of Homeland Creamery ice cream as a sweet treat for you and your sweetheart. Our 2026 Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day events are uniquely planned to show each and every one of you just how much we care about Asheboro and its citizens. We can’t wait to see you there!