Valentine's Day annually falls on February 14, and people celebrate the day of love with much fervour. Here's everything you need to know about the history, meaning, why we celebrate February 14, and some fun facts about Cupid's season.

As Valentine's Day week comes to an end, lovers all over the world are preparing to celebrate Valentine's Day on February 14. Valentine's Day is the last day of Valentine's Day week. People pamper their loved one, crush or potential partner on this day with grand gestures, gifts, romantic dates and more to express their love. Some people also mark Valentine's Day as a day of self-love and indulge themselves by splurging on self-care or participating in activities they enjoy. Whether you're single or not, Valentine's Day is all about being in love and celebrating love.

Although many couples celebrate this Cupid festival, few know the history and significance of Valentine's Day. If you are one of those people, let us help you. Read on to know the date, its meaning, history and interesting facts about Valentine's Day.

Why is Valentine's Day celebrated on February 14?

Valentine's Day falls on February 14 every year. Apparently, Valentine's Day was not celebrated as a day of love until around the 14th century. The eighth-century Gelasian Sacramentary records the ceremony of St. Valentine on February 14. The day became associated with love in the 14th and 15th centuries when the concept of courtly love grew in the union of "lovers" of the beginning of spring. In addition, the day may have been named after a priest who was killed by Emperor Claudius II Gothicus in about 270 AD.

History and Meaning of Valentine's Day:

There are many stories behind the origin of Valentine's Day. According to one of the most popular legends, Valentine's Day began with the Roman festival of Lupercalia, which takes place in mid-February. Held at the beginning of spring, in this festival, women and men are united by gambling. It is believed that Pope Gelasius I replaced this holiday with Valentine's Day and in the period from about the 14th century, it was celebrated as a day of love. Another story says that St. Valentine on February 14 as a punishment for performing secret marriages to prevent husbands from going to war, as Roman Emperor Claudius II banned them.

Meanwhile, Valentine's Day is represented by the angel of love, Cupid. According to Roman mythology, Cupid is the son of Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, and Cupid's bow and arrows represent the piercing of the heart and the cast of love. So this festival is all about celebrating the feeling of being in love.

Valentine's Day Celebrations:

Nowadays, Valentine's Day has become a marketable holiday. On Valentine's Day, people celebrate their partners, remember their love and friendship, and express their feelings for each other. They do the same by preparing pleasant surprises and handmade gifts, going on romantic dates, cooking their partner's favorite food at home, spending quality time with others.