The ancient Roman fertility festival of Lupercalia was held annually on February 15. The event included sacrifices and priests cutting thongs from the skins of the sacrificial animals. They then ran in two bands around the Palatine Hill, striking woman with the thongs. A blow from the thong was supposed to render a woman fertile. In 494 ce the Christian church under Pope Gelasius I forbade participation in the festival. It has been suggested that Gelasius replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentineās Day, celebrated on February 14, but the origin of that holiday was likely much later.
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style