By Editors of the Encyclopaedia
May 12, 2021
Source: Britannica Photo Source: Unsplash, Birgith Roosipuu
Lupercalia, ancient Roman festival that was conducted annually on February 15 under the superintendence of a corporation of priests called Luperci. The origins of the festival are obscure, although the likely derivation of its name from lupus (Latin: “wolf”) has variously suggested connection with an ancient deity who protected herds from wolves and with the legendary she-wolf who nursed Romulus and Remus. As a fertility rite, the festival is also associated with the god Faunus.
Each Lupercalia began with the sacrifice by the Luperci of goats and a dog, after which two of the Luperci were led to the altar, their foreheads were touched with a bloody knife, and the blood was wiped off with wool dipped in milk; the ritual required that the two young men laugh. The sacrificial feast followed, after which the Luperci cut thongs from the skins of the sacrificial animals and ran in two bands around the Palatine hill, striking with the thongs at any woman who came near them. A blow from the thong was supposed to render a woman fertile.
In 494 CE the Christian church under Pope Gelasius I forbid participation in the festival. Tradition holds that he appropriated the form of the rite as the Feast of the Purification (Candlemas), celebrated on February 2, but it is likely that the Christian feast was established in the previous century. It has also been alternately suggested that Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14th, but the origin of that holiday was likely much later.
How is your prayer life? Why? What are your beliefs? How can this impact your health?
Share the wealth of health with your family and friends by sharing this article with 3 of your friends and family today. If this article was helpful to you, please donate to the E Zine today. Thank you in advance.
Citation
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Lupercalia." Encyclopedia Britannica, February 12, 2021. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Lupercalia.