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Lupercalia

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Lu·per·ca·li·a  (lpr-kl-, -kly)
n.
A fertility festival in ancient Rome, celebrated on February 15 in honor of the pastoral god Lupercus.

[Latin Luperclia, from Lupercus, Roman god of flocks.]

Luper·cali·an adj.

Lupercalia [ˌluːpɜːˈkeɪlɪə]
n pl -lia, -lias
(Historical Terms) an ancient Roman festival of fertility, celebrated annually on Feb. 15 See also Saint Valentine's Day
[Latin, from Lupercālis belonging to Lupercus, a Roman god of the flocks]
Lupercalian  adj


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So far as the origin of this practice is concerned, there are many traditions about its, but the most authentic seems to be the one from Encyclopaedia Britannica that says that this day has nothing to do with Saint Valentine, instead it is related to the Roman pagan festival of their god, Lupercalia.
Valentine's Day in 496 AD with the purpose of 'christianising' the celebrations of the pagan Lupercalia festival: and when you read what they were up to, it's not entirely surprising.
The Romans had a festival called Lupercalia in the middle of February, officially the start of their springtime.
 
 
 
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