Galentine’s Day celebration gains traction as love for lady friends matters
Move over Valentine’s – it’s all about the gals now as women across the country embrace the idea of a fun celebration of their female pals and inspirations.
Galentine’s Day on 13 February may not be an official occasion, but the special day dedicated to honouring friendship in all its forms is gaining traction over the exclusivity of the supposed one true love.
According to Urban Dictionary, where the phrase has appeared since 2010, it’s “the other half of Valentine’s Day” where you celebrate your “love for your lady friends, single or not”, and publisher Lucy Nicholson, founder of Lucy Maggie Designs, is definitely a fan.
“Galentine’s Day is all about empowering women,” Lucy explained to PG Buzz, “and celebrating the bonds between females around the world.
“The world is changing – women are empowered to make their own decisions about their futures which don’t necessarily involve finding a life partner. Non-sexual friendships should be celebrated because they’re so important!”
Lucy, who also gives up-and-coming artists a platform in the greeting card and stationery industry through Sunshine Llama, has reached out to a whole bunch of independent card designers for their views on the importance of Valentine’s Day with the gals, and to show off designs suitable for this increasingly important occasion.
Here, PG Buzz spreads the gal pal love…
Beth Free (above): “Your true girl friends will never break your heart, but they will always be there to pick up the pieces of your broken heart. That’s the friendship you should cherish this Galentine’s Day!”
Aislinn Simmonds, Duchess Plum (above): “I really value my female friendships. We laugh together, cry together and bring each other up when one of us is feeling down. It’s important to support each other through the darkest days with no judgement, be a listening ear and celebrate each other’s milestones. I’ve been lucky enough to have my girls for nearly 20 years and I couldn’t be without them.”
Amy Hodkin (above): “Throughout my teens I was guided by my female friendships. I would’ve been lost without them! Now I’m so grateful to be surrounded by lots of creative, kind and hilarious people.”
Zoe Spry, Zoe Spry Designs (above): “I love the idea of Galentine’s Day because it’s an opportunity, at least in more recent years, in the calendar to acknowledge the female friendships in our lives. Relationships may come and go but solid friendships are a constant. In an era of cultural shift, including Me Too and the Women Supporting Women movements, Galentine’s Day is all about empowerment!”
Niccy Iseman, Type And Story (above): “Galentine’s Day is important because one of our first loves other than our parent/caregiver are our friends. And sometimes our friends need to be reminded that time will heal all wounds.”
Aimee Stevens, Aimee Stevens Design (above): “I designed this Galentine’s Day card for my friends to thank them for the love they hold me up with. From last-minute childcare favours, to cheering me out of slumps and helping me celebrate wins, I know my gang are always there behind me. I like to give a soppy card and chocolate too on Galentine’s Day, to say cheers to the all-important women in my life.”
Ella Goddard (above): “I feel really lucky to be surrounded by such strong, empathetic, witty and creative women. To me, Galentine’s serves as a reminder to let them know a little more often how much they mean to me.”
Ella Kasperowics (above): “I feel so grateful for the amazing female friendships in my life, and to be surrounded by women who constantly inspire me, make me laugh and help me to navigate this crazy world. I don’t know where I’d be without my two-hour-long Facetime calls with my best friend, walks with my mum and cute dates with uni pals.”
Kerrie McNeill (above): “What better occasion to celebrate all the amazing gals in your life? I value my female friendships so much! Sometimes I don’t see some of my closest friends for months but, when we catch up, it’s as if we’ve never been apart. We laugh so much, cry – mostly from laughing – and have genuine talks and memories together which I’m so grateful for. Sometimes you lose touch with people but, with true friends, they’re around for a lifetime.”
Top: All girls together to celebrate female friendship and support
