Valentine’s Day: Exploring Its Ancient Roots and Spiritual Significance
Valentine’s Day, celebrated every year on February 14th, is widely recognized for exchanging gifts like red roses, chocolates, sweets, and perhaps a romantic dinner at a special restaurant. While this modern version of the holiday is beloved worldwide, it may have far deeper and more ancient origins. In fact, it’s possible that the roots of Valentine’s Day stretch back to our ancestors, who marked specific days with unique celebrations. Let’s take a closer look at the history behind this beloved holiday.
The Ancient Holiday of Lupercalia: The Possible Origin of Valentine’s Day
The origins of Valentine’s Day can be traced back to an ancient pagan festival known as Lupercalia, which was later adapted to fit Christian traditions. Originally a celebration of fertility, Lupercalia was held on February 15th and was dedicated to the Roman god of agriculture, Faunus, as well as the legendary twin brothers Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome.
According to History.com, here’s a brief overview of this fascinating festival:
“Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.
To begin the festival, members of the Luperci, an order of Roman priests, would gather at a sacred cave where the infants Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, were believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf or lupa. The priests would sacrifice a goat, for fertility, and a dog, for purification. They would then strip the goat’s hide into strips, dip them into the sacrificial blood, and take to the streets, gently slapping both women and crop fields with the goat hide. Far from being fearful, Roman women welcomed the touch of the hides because it was believed to make them more fertile in the coming year. Later in the day, according to legend, all the young women in the city would place their names in a big urn. The city’s bachelors would each choose a name and become paired for the year with his chosen woman. These matches often ended in marriage.”
You can read the full article here.
A Closer Look at the Myth of Romulus, Remus, and the Wolf
Interestingly, the myth of Romulus and Remus involves them being cared for by a she-wolf. This is a fascinating detail, especially considering that Anastasia’s family has a long-standing connection with wolves, known for raising and protecting young children. This myth may point to ancient traditions connected to the reverence of wolves, a theme explored in the Ringing Cedars series, which describes a culture that understood the deep connection between humans and animals.
The Influence of History and the Changing of Rituals
Of course, we know from our favorite green books that sometimes the pagan rituals were changed or distorted over time, especially as they were adapted by different cultural and religious influences. In many cases, these changes were made to portray our nature-loving ancestors as barbaric, particularly for their practices involving animal or even human sacrifices. It’s possible that these elements of sacrifice didn’t exist in the original celebration of Lupercalia or were altered to fit a different narrative.
Vedruss and Spiritual Celebrations of Love
It’s also worth mentioning that the Vedruss ancestors, known for their spiritual wisdom, held numerous celebrations for love and matchmaking. These traditions were believed to ensure that every individual found their ideal counterpart, a soulmate with whom they could co-create a divine future filled with love and harmony.
As we explore the origins of Valentine’s Day, we discover that modern holidays often carry deeper spiritual and cultural meanings. For those of us who cherish the beauty of these ancient traditions, it’s comforting to know that remnants of our pristine past continue to influence our celebrations today.
Reimagining Valentine’s Day: A Celebration of Love Beyond Commercialism
As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, perhaps it’s an opportunity to reflect on the deeper energy of love and connection, particularly with our romantic partners. Instead of focusing on excessive shopping, eating, and drinking, we can choose to celebrate love in more meaningful ways. Whether through heartfelt gestures, meaningful conversations, or acts of kindness, Valentine’s Day is a wonderful reminder to nurture and honor our loved ones.
Share Your Thoughts on Valentine’s Day
What are your thoughts on the origins and modern-day celebration of Valentine’s Day? How do you celebrate love in your life? Share your insights with us in the comments!
