Lupercalia

[ loo-per-key-lee-uh, ‑-keyl-yuh ]

noun

, plural Lu·per·ca·li·a, Lu·per·ca·li·as.

1. a festival held in ancient Rome on the 15th of February to promote fertility and ward off disasters.

Lupercalia

/ ˌluːpɜːˈkeɪlɪə /

noun

1. See Saint Valentine's Day
   an ancient Roman festival of fertility, celebrated annually on Feb 15 See also Saint Valentine's Day

Derived Forms

• ˌLuperˈcalian, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Lupercalia¹

Latin, from Lupercālis belonging to Lupercus, a Roman god of the flocks

Example Sentences

Mr. Douce thinks the custom of choosing valentines was a survival from the Roman feast of the Lupercalia.

From Project Gutenberg

The action in the preceding scene took place on the day of the Lupercalia; the action in this is on the eve of the Ides of March.

From Project Gutenberg

As such he is akin to or identical with Inuus (“fructifier”) and Lupercus (see Lupercalia).

From Project Gutenberg

To these belonged the Lupercalia, Carmentalia, and Agonalia.

From Project Gutenberg

The final attempt was made at the Lupercalia on the 15th of February.

From Project Gutenberg