Shakespeare himself opens his much-loved tragedy, Julius Caesar, amidst the colorful spectacle of Lupercalia, though (not surprisingly) he only refers to it in the vaguest poetic terms.
Among the most ancient and mysterious Roman holidays, the veil of distant history cloaks this rather boisterous pagan festival.
Scholars argue about even the most fundamental elements, including which god(s) are honored, what rites are traditional (or have evolved from tradition) and whether or not it predates even Roman times.
So what do we know about it?
The ancient festivities began and ended between February 13th-15th.
Reputed as “The Original Valentine’s Day,” Lupercalia celebrates fertility, love, and sexuality, and sets the stage for springtime cleansing rites.
Although various gods have been suggested as central to the event, many believe this lively winter holiday traditionally honors the playful, lusty god, Lupercus.
Is there a myth associated with Lupercalia?
Well, of course! This is, after all, Greco-Roman tradition we’re talking about.
Two brothers, Romulus and Remus, were abandoned to die near the Tiber river. Fortunately, the river carried them to safety. But they endured several other perilous trials before becoming the mythological founders of Rome. Along the way, a she-wolf named Lupa found them and suckled them for nourishment. Many believe this is where the name “Lupercalia” originates.
This is interesting! I want to play.
If you want to celebrate Lupercalia with a modern take, decorate your altar with symbols of love, fertility and romance. Hearts, phallic symbols, the color red, and rose petals all make nice inclusions.
Many of the common Valentine’s traditions correspond nicely with Lupercalia, which makes decorating for this pagan holiday “incognito” pretty easy.
Try writing a long, sappy love letter to your significant other, or planning a romantic evening at home.
For a more ritualistic approach, make an offering of ground red meat. I recommend burying it as opposed to the traditional burnt offering, which is . . . frankly kind of stinky.
If you would like to have some fun with the kids, visit a local farm to pick up some fresh milk and plan a morning meal around it.
Lupercalia is also one of the key times on the Wheel of the Year for early spring fertility rites. Both Lupercalia and Ostara make nice dates for fertility casting.
How can you celebrate it today?
Begin by choosing one theme you want to explore, such as renewal, care or making space for something you want to grow. Then choose an activity that gives you time to think about it without trying to fit everything into one evening.
You could prepare a meal, refresh your altar or write an intention in your journal.
These are modern suggestions inspired by the themes, so there is no need to present them as a reconstruction of ancient Roman worship.
A simple purification practice
- Choose one small area of your home and give it some attention, perhaps clearing your bedside table or making room on a shelf you want to use for your practice.
- As you work, consider what you want that space to support, such as rest or a little quiet time. I like beginning with something practical because you finish with a place you can actually use, then you can sit there for a few minutes and reflect on the change.
- You don’t need incense or special cleansing tools unless they already belong to your practice.
What can you put on your altar?
You could use a candle, a handwritten intention and something that represents what you want to nurture. A drawing of a plant, a meaningful photograph or an object connected with a creative project can all work.
If you want to explore love as your chosen theme, flowers or a letter might feel aright but you don’t need to buy decorations or copy an arrangement you don’t understand. Keep it simple.. keep it yours!
Can you celebrate if you are single?
Of course! A modern celebration doesn’t need to revolve around finding a partner, and you can give attention to friendship, family or the way you care for yourself.
You might write a thoughtful note to someone you appreciate or make time for a friend you have been meaning to see. For me, affection becomes more personal when it is expressed through something honest rather than something elaborate.
How can you include a partner?
Plan a little time together and agree on what you would both enjoy, whether that is making dinner or talking without phones on the table. If you want to include a ritual, ask your partner first and keep the intention shared, perhaps appreciating what supports your relationship or choosing something you would like to make more time for.
You don’t need to turn the whole evening into a ceremony for it to feel meaningful as as always a little goes long way!
A small ritual for renewal
Write down one thing you want to care for over the coming month and place the paper beside a candle or another object you use for focus.
Spend a few minutes thinking about what that care would involve, then say something simple such as, “I make room for growth through patience and attention.”
Finish by writing one manageable action beneath your intention and deciding when you will do it. If you use a real candle, keep it in a stable holder away from the paper and extinguish it safely before leaving.
Is Lupercalia suitable for beginners?
Sure! Give it a try! If you like it, good! If it’s not your thing you are not forced to keep celebreting it every year! Simply give thanks to this time and event and let it go. Up to the next one!
Conclusion
Lupercalia offers a chance to learn about an ancient Roman celebration while being thoughtful about how we describe and adapt the past. If its themes interest you, choose a simple modern practice and give it a personal purpose.
For me, a useful beginning is asking what I want to care for and then making a little room for that care in everyday life.
Reblogged this on ravenhawks' magazine.