A pagan fertility festival known as Lupercalia was celebrated in ancient Rome between the 13th and 15th February. The festival is said to have involved lots of naked folk running through the streets spanking the backsides of young women with leather whips.
Can you imagine the scenes in modern day Milngavie town centre as a celebration of St. Valentine’s Day?
Contrary to the idea that it was another marketing invention of card production industry, there are intriguing stories to add depth to the special day on 14th February. Hold your breath before you click through to the history.
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https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/St-Valentines-Day/
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Lupercalia
Happy Lupercalia video – ANCIENT ROMAN VALENTINE’S DAY – Goat Sacrifices and Whips! Lupercalia Festival
There is a huge amount of history around the event about how Lupercalia developed into the billion pound industry today. The introduction of the “Penny Post” in 1840 from the postal service meant it became affordable to most ordinary people to sent anonymous St. Valentine’s Day cards.
However, it was a Frenchman who sent the earliest surviving Valentine’s note to his sweetheart. Charles, the Duke of Orléans, was writing to her from his prison cell in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.
By 1601 Shakespeare mentions it in Ophelia’s lament in Hamlet as Valentine’s Day appears have become part of English tradition.
The article doesn’t say what the Scots were up to. However, national poet Rabbie Burns (1759-96), was busy fathering of seven illegitimate children and 12 total with four women. He even found time to compose his timeless love poetry, most notably “A Red, Red Rose”. A poem celebrated on St. Valentine’s Day cards, readings, and songs, focusing on themes of deep, passionate and enduring love.
Ladies and gentlemen, as you wander lovingly through the streets of Milngavie with your loved one, think of Lupercalia. Instead of following past traditions, call in to some of the new businesses to buy some modern Valentine’s Day gifts.
