Why is Valentine's Day celebrated on February 14?

Valentine's Day annually falls on February 14. Reportedly, Valentine's Day did not come to be celebrated as a day of romance until about the 14th century. The 8th-century Gelasian Sacramentary recorded the celebration of the Feast of Saint Valentine on February 14. The day became associated with love in the 14th and 15th centuries when notions of courtly love flourished with the association of "lovebirds" of early spring. Additionally, the day may have taken its name from a priest who was martyred about 270 ce by the emperor Claudius II Gothicus.

Valentine's Day History and Significance:

There are many stories behind the origin of Valentine's Day. According to one of the more popular legends, Valentine's Day has its origin in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, held in mid-February. Celebrated during the onset of spring, in this festival women were paired with men through a lottery. It is believed that Pope Gelasius I replaced this festival with St. Valentine's Day, and over a period of time from about the 14th century, it was celebrated as a day of romance. Another legend says that St Valentine was executed on February 14 as a punishment for performing secret marriages to save the husbands from going to war, as they were banned by Roman emperor Claudius II.

Meanwhile, Valentine's Day is popularly symbolised by the angel of love, Cupid. According to Roman mythology, Cupid is the son of Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, and the bow and arrow of Cupid depict piercing a heart and casting the spell of love. Therefore, this festival is all about celebrating the feeling of being in love.

Valentine's Day celebrations:

In modern times, Valentine's Day has become a commercialised festival. On Valentine's Day, people make grand gestures for their partners, commemorate their love and companionship, and express their feelings for each other. They do the same by preparing heart-warming surprises and handmade gifts, going on romantic dates, making their partner's favourite dish at home, spending quality time and more.