Lupercalia

Lupercalia is a Roman festival that many people have heard of, and that is often associated with Valentine's Day.  However, there isn't much proof of a connection between the two (other than Lupercalia being celebrated on February 15).

The origins of Lupercalia reach back to the story of Romulus and Remus, twins who were said to be raised by a wolf.  Later, the twins returned to human society and named the wolf who cared for them Lupercal, and her den became the primary location for Lupercalia rituals.

 

The ritual itself was often seen as honoring Lupercal, though it may have also paid homage to an ancient deity who protected the herds from wolves.  Some also think that the god Faunas (similar to Pan) might have been honored.

The practice of Lupercalia was led by priests known as Luperci, and they were divided into two colleges (groups) based on family lines that are reported to have started with the twins.  These Luperci would perform a ritual of purification in February, which was the month for purification as March was seen as the start of the New Year in ancient Rome.  So February was a time of cleansing, a time to get rid of the old and prepare to welcome in the new.

Lupercalia could be thought of as happening in two stages.  First, there was a goat sacrifice at the Lupercal.  The blood would be smeared on the foreheads of the Luperci, while the hide of the sacrifices would be cut into strips to be used as lashes.  There was a feast, and then the Luperci would run around, using their lashes to strike women as a blessing.

In the early days of the celebration, the Luperci were naked, though as time progressed more restrictions were put upon them.  Women would come out and present either their back (more common in earlier days), or later their hands to be whipped.  If a woman was pregnant, this was thought to ensure a healthy and safe pregnancy.  If she wasn't pregnant, this was a blessing that would aid her with fertility.  The whipping was seen as a symbolic act representing copulation, and was acceptable even for married women.

Some people think that the whipping could also have been a form of purification, to remove any deadly influences that the person might be under.  Not only would this fit into the theme of purification for the month, but another festival honoring the dead occurred near the same time, and this could be a way to cleanse after that contact.

Some sources also connect a matchmaking lottery with Lupercalia, where young people would be randomly paired up for the night, though sometimes the couples would stay together until next year's festival and many ended up falling in love and getting married.

 

Festivals and celebrations change over time.  Even in ancient times, the rites performed for Lupercalia changed based on people's perceptions of what was appropriate as well as laws that were in place.  So if you are interested in Lupercalia, you can read more about it and see which parts you want to embrace and which you might need to adjust.

 

Though there is no clear connection between Valentine's day and Lupercalia, many modern Pagans look at it as an alternative to the overly commercialized love holiday with strong Christian roots.  While the ancient animal sacrifices wouldn't be performed, other sacrifices could be made, especially those that are of an erotic nature (like chocolate or wine).  Lupercal can be honored, or you can work with a deity you associate with fertility or love.  It is a great time to work on purification as well.