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Happy Valentines Day everyone! Or should i really say Happy Lupercalia ? Lupercalia was a holiday celebrated by the Roman Empire and roughly started during the 6th century and possibly had origins from the festival Februa . Traditionally this ancient festival was a three day event from Feburary 13th-15th. Lupercalia was used as a fertility ritual as well as for banishing unwanted spirits from city grounds. During this time the city was washed with lovemaking and interesting rituals, including animal sacrifice and the removal of animal intestines. The intestines were made to hit women with and were suppose to prompt the bearing of a child. The priests would sacrifice the goat, dog, or bull and begin making thin strips from hide, intestines, and hair, which then were blessed and given to the young men. One interesting ritual i found that women used during this time was serving menstrual fluids to their men in food or drinks to entice them into love making. Its safe to say most modern pagans don't celebrate this festival anymore, but still interesting to read up on. Hope you enjoyed the quick history lesson, feel free to add in. Blessed be!

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lupercalia

https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-rome/lupercalia

https://bigthink.com/scotty-hendricks/the-potentially-pagan-roots-of-valentines-day