Why do we celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14?

The most popular theory behind celebration of Valentine’s Day is that St. Valentine was executed on 14th February. Due to his works in which he helped the soldiers to marry, who were not permitted for marriage, he was imprisoned. He was then executed on 14th February and this can be one theory why we celebrate Valentine’s Day on 14th February. According to catholic churches there are 3 valentines who were martyrs. One of them was executed because he helped Christians to escape from prisons with harsh conditions. But this does not gives a clear data as if why valentine’s dy is celebrated on 14th February.

According to one other theory, during his imprisonment days he fell in love with the Jailer’s daughter. He wrote love letters to the Jailer’s daughter. In his letter he signed the letter with “yours valentine” and thus Valentine’s Day represents love. The letter was signed on 14th February and hence Valentine’s Day is celebrated on 14th February.

Geoffrey Chaucer born on 1340 was in civil service under three kings namely Edward III, Richard II and Henry III. He wrote a poem on Valentine’s Day. The poem was “Valentine’s Day, when every fowl doth choose his mate”. In his poem he refers that on the 14th February the birds choose their other half. According to him that is the reason why we celebrate Valentine’s Day is celebrated on 14th February.

The Valentine’s Day coincides with feast of Lupercalia. The festival witness honour presented to Juno, the pagan goddess of love which is followed by a tradition where women and men pair off in a lottery. It is said to be believed that the feast of Lupercalia falls on 14th February. And hence the Valentine’s Day is celebrated on 14th February.