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. 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

Some believe that Valentine’s Day is an offshoot from the ancient festival of Lupercalia, a raucous Roman fertility rite held in the middle of February.

From New York Times

Lewis also shared with Fox News the story of the pagan celebration Lupercalia.

From Fox News

She explained that Lupercalia was celebrated in Rome between February 13–15 to stave off evil and celebrate fertility.

From Fox News

Chapter 14, “Lupercalia,” finds Sabrina and Nick taking part in the Academy’s annual celebration of teenage debauchery.

From The Verge

The Lupercalia in Chapter 14 happens at the same time as Baxter’s Valentine’s dance.

From The Verge