Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

icymist

(15,888 posts)
Mon Jan 19, 2015, 08:54 PM Jan 2015

Lupercalia's Love Lottery (or The Origins of Valentine's Day)

February is a great time of year to be in the greeting-card or chocolate-heart industry. This month has long been associated with love and romance, going back to the days of early Rome. Back then, February was the month in which people celebrated Lupercalia, a festival honoring the birth of Romulus and Remus, the twin founders of the city. As Lupercalia evolved and time went on, it morphed into a festival honoring fertility and the coming of spring.

For part of the celebration, young women would place their names in an urn. Eligible men would draw a name and the couple would pair of for the rest of the festival -- sometimes even longer. As Christianity progressed into Rome, the practice was decried as Pagan and immoral, and done away with by Pope Gelasius around 500 C.E. Although recently there's been some scholarly debate about the existence of the Lupercalia lottery - and some people believe it may not have existed at all - it's still a legend that brings to mind ancient matchmaking rituals perfect for this time of year!

http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/imbolcfebruary2/p/ValentinesDay.htm

1 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Lupercalia's Love Lottery (or The Origins of Valentine's Day) (Original Post) icymist Jan 2015 OP
It's fascinating how many holidays have Ilsa Jan 2015 #1

Ilsa

(62,263 posts)
1. It's fascinating how many holidays have
Tue Jan 20, 2015, 09:47 AM
Jan 2015

their roots in pagan practices, celebrations, or pagan lore.

Latest Discussions»Alliance Forums»Ancient Wisdom and Pagan Spirituality»Lupercalia's Love Lottery...