Was the ancient roman Lupercalia celebration the original valentines day?

It was a celebration that took place every year on February 15th celebrating love, fertility and a whole lot more.

Dating back to at least the 5th century B C, the festival honored Lupercus, the roman god of fertility and was tied to the legendary she-wolf that raised Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome itself.

During the celebration, priests know as Luperci would gather in the cave where Romulus and Remus were said to have been raised and sacrifice goats and dogs, then cut the goat skins into strips called februa.

The priests and young men would would run through the streets of Rome, sometimes naked, gently whipping women with the februas. It was believed to promote fertility and bring good fortune.

What do you think? Would you rather be showered with candy or blessed by a goat skin whip? Let us know in the comments!

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