On February 14th the ancient Romans celebrated the festival of Lupercalia.  It was a special day that honored the god Faunus (god of nature) who was associated with Romulus and Remus (Rome's mythical founders).  This day also paid homage to wolves.

The priests of Faunus selected two young boys (luperci) to assist in the day's celebration.  The luperci were dressed in animal skin and strips of goat hide.  As they would run through the streets women would stand naked outside in hopes of being struck by the luperci's goat hide whips.  Say what you will about phallicism in fertility rites... this rocks!

Needless to say, this festival was so popular that after the conversion of the Emperor Constantine the Church could not curb the observance of this festive day.  So, the Church simply moved the celebration of the feast of the martyred St. Valentine two days in advance to coincide with the public's time honored party on the 14th.  Thus, that is how it came to pass that Lupercalia became St. Valentine's Day.

In conclusion, Lord Trader I'm with you.  Sweety, if you want something you'd better be standing outside naked in hopes of getting whipped!

Stay tuned for:

The Pagan Roots of Presidents' Day!   [:O]

[}:D] [}:D] [}:D] [}:D] [}:D]

[b]As they would run through the streets women would stand naked outside in hopes of being struck by the luperci's goat hide whips. Say what you will about phallicism in fertility rites... this rocks![/b]

Beautiful, just beautiful. RFLMAO!