Valentine’s Day approaches — that time of year when lovers (and wannabe’s) are frantic, wondering whether to splurge on the heart-shaped box of chocolates, over-priced flowers, or the predictable greeting cards. Ever wonder how the madness all got started?
The history of Valentine’s Day began with the ancient Festival of Lupercalia which honored the founding of Rome. To insure the fertility of the land, the festival also celebrated the erotic love that was the special domain of Juno, the Roman goddess of love and marriage. The month February was even named in her honor — the word comes from the Latin word “febres”, meaning feverish or febrile.
Held on the hillside near the Lupercallus (”Wolf-Cave”), where Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, were raised as infants by a pack of wolves, the festivities were held on February 15 each year. Led by a pagan priest, the activities included “whipping” all the women to ensure their fertility.
