Was it not on the feast of Lupercal, the Ides of Februata, that Caesar said, according to William Shakespeare
"Forget not in your speed Antonius, to touch Calpurnia; for our elders say the barren touched in this holy chase shake off their sterile course."
This was a day to celebrate the foundation of Rome and the fertility of its people. There were some rather strange rites performed by bachelors on the day, to Februata Juno, in the hope of gaining a bride. Ides of Feb: the 15th. The race of the unmarried men was one such rite. There were others!
And so like many pagan practices they were christianised and a suitable saint a martyr linked to the date, the day before in fact, was named a Saint for loves sake. He was to be Valentine: a martyr and priest who was said to solemnise marriages.
Seems reasonable to me.
So you all have a lovingly, loveable love kissed day, and make it last.
Love Jeff
JL Feb 14 11:35
No comments:
Post a Comment