ðHappy Valentineâs Day from Ancient Origins!
â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â THIS MONTH IN ANCIENT HISTORY Every year on February 15th, ancient Romans celebrated the festival of [Lupercalia.]( It was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as the Roman founders Romulus and Remus. Priests of the Luperci, the brothers of the wolf, would start the event at the Lupercal cave by sacrificing animals they considered strong and virile. Then they would cut strips from the animal skins and run around the Palatine Hill, naked or nearly so, slapping women with the strips to ensure fertility and ease the pains of childbirth. Pope Gelasius I outlawed the festival in the 5th century AD and replaced it with [St. Valentine's Day,]( a feast day dedicated to the Christian martyr Saint Valentine. Over time this day has evolved into a day for the celebration of romantic love that we are familiar with today. UNIQUE GIFTS FOR HISTORY LOVERS Ancient Origins has extraordinary new products! Explore the unique and historical treasures we've curated to adorn your home and make your celebrations extra memorable. Want to challenge your mind? See our puzzles! Looking to show your love? We have heartfelt gifts! Need to unwind and have some fun? We have historic games! [SHOP NOW]( You Might Like
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