Why is Valentine’s Day celebrated on February 14^th? This is the day people spend time with their friends, family and special someone to show them their love. However, not everybody knows the reason why millions of people around the world celebrate this day. There are several theories for why this day is celebrated in many places.

Some believe that in ancient Rome people worshiped the god of love. He was known as Eros by the Greeks, and the Romans called him Cupid. In this celebration they offered him gifts so that in return he could help them find their true love.

There’s another version of Valentine’s Day which also originated in ancient Rome, when Rome was ruled by Emperor Claudius II. Claudius was having trouble recruiting soldiers for his army, and he believed that the reason why many men weren’t enrolling was because they didn’t want to leave their wives and family. For this reason, Claudius decided to outlaw all marriages and engagements. However, the Roman church did not believe that this was necessary. Valentine, who was a priest at that time, continued to marry people in secret. For this reason he was sent to jail. Once in jail Valentine received visits from many people, one of them being his jailer’s daughter. Valentine felt in love with this girl and before his execution he wrote her a letter and signed it with the words “from your Valentine”. This gives rise to the origin of the letters and poems sent on February the 14^th, the day of his execution.

It’s also believed that it was a Christianized pagan festival in honor of the God Lupercus, which started February 15^th. The beginning of spring was considered a symbol of love, creation and purification. According to their traditions all the young girls would write their name on a piece of paper, and they would place it on a jar. Then each boy would choose the name of a girl who would become their mate for one year.

The stories of Valentine’s Day can vary. Whichever story you believe is to be true, the overall purpose of Valentine’s Day is to show your love, show your love to your friends, family, and that special someone.

For more information go to: http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day