Rome’s Valentines Day

The Lupercalia

The Lupercalian Festival in Rome (ca. 1578–1610), drawing by the circle of Adam Elsheimer. The Luperci dressed as goats and dogs sometimes. The modesty shown in the drawing is probably due to the authors Christian upbringing. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Rome did things differently. Before an age of Christianity and modesty, where pagan traditions and morality ruled, their holidays were definitely no exception.

Held on the 15th of February, the festival of Lupercalia is thought to have been a distant ancient precursor to Valentine’s day. In my opinion, and one I’m sure you’ll agree with after reading this article, we’ve…