1. What were the customs and traditions of the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia?
2. How did the Christianization of Lupercalia lead to the creation of Valentine's Day?
3. Who was St. Valentine and what role did he play in the history of Valentine's Day?
4. How did Valentine's Day transition from a religious holiday to a secular celebration of love?
5. What are the common symbols and traditions associated with Valentine's Day today, and how have they evolved over time?
write a 5 sentence reflection based on your research
The ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia was a fertility celebration that involved rituals such as sacrificing animals and whipping women with strips of animal hide to promote fertility. When Christianity took over Rome, Pope Gelasius I combined Lupercalia with the feast day of St. Valentine, a martyred Christian priest who had secretly performed marriages for soldiers. Over time, the holiday transitioned from a religious observance to a secular celebration of love, with the exchange of handwritten notes and gifts becoming a common tradition. Today, Valentine's Day is celebrated with symbols like hearts, Cupids, roses, and chocolates, which have evolved over time to become staples of the holiday. This evolution highlights the way in which traditional customs can adapt and change with the passage of time, while still retaining elements of their original significance.
