Lupercalia

Lupercalia

The ancient pagan festival of Lupercalia is celebrated each year on February 15th. No one knows the exact origin but it has been traced as far back as the 6th Century B.C. Its name derives from “lupus” the latin meaning of “wolf”, suggesting an ancient connection to a deity who protected herds from wolves known as the legendary “she-wolf”. Lupercus or Lubercus or Luberkus was the protector of the farmers, harvesting and packs of wild animals. Worshiped by shepherds as the promoter of fertility and protector of flocks. 

The Legend of Romulus & Remus

The founders of Rome in Roman Mythology. Their mother was Rhea Silvia, daughter of the King of Alba Longa, fathered by the God of Mars. Their uncle, King Amulius, ordered his twin nephews to be drowned in the Tiber River as punishment for their mother’s broken vow of celibacy. They were placed inside a basket and sent down the river. Protected by the river-god they were brought to a sacred fig tree where their basket would be entangled in its branches. The brothers were then cared for by a she-wolf in the den of Palatine Hill where Rome was founded. 

The brothers were adopted by a shepherd and his wife. They would be reunited with the she-wolf when they found her den and would name her Lupercal. It is believed Lupercalia is celebrated to honor her and please the fertility god Lupercus. 

Ritual Sacrifice

The Lupercalia had its own priesthood, the Luperci  known as the "brothers of the wolf". During the purification ritual priests would sacrifice 2 goats and a dog at the Lupercal cave. The goats represented the Lupercus, a god of shepherds while the dog represented the guards of flocks. Men marched in the streets of Rome dressed in goat skins while flicking goat skinned whips at spectators. In particular childless women would want to be hit by the Luperci to be released of any infertility. 

During Lupercalia men and women would be coupled during the festival until the following year. Many of these couples would fall in love and get married.

Lupercalia in ancient tradition is celebrated on February 13th and 14th as feast days leading to Lupercalia on the 15th. This Roman festival focuses on fertility and purification whilst warding off evil spirits and infertility. 

📷: Romulus and Remus