Lupercalia

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Lupercalia

(Lat.)

Magnificent popular festivals celebrated in ancient Rome on February 15th in honour of the God Pan, during which the Luperci, the most ancient and respectable among the sacerdotal functionaries, sacrificed two goats and a dog, and two of the most illustrious youths were compelled to run about the city naked (except the loins) whipping all those whom they met. Pope Gelasius abolished the Lupercalia in 496, but substituted for them on the same day the procession of lighted candles (TG).

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Shortly: Magnificent popular festivals celebrated in ancient Rome on February 15th in honour of the God Pan, ...