Lupercalia was a pagan festival celebrated in ancient Rome. This festival was dedicated to the god Lupercus, who was the god of fertility and shepherds. The festival was held on February 15th, and it involved various rituals and ceremonies. During Lupercalia, priests known as Luperci would gather at the Lupercal, a cave on the Palatine Hill, which was believed to be the site where Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome, were raised by a she-wolf. The priests would sacrifice goats and a dog, after which the goat's hide would be cut into strips. The priests would then run through the streets of Rome, wearing the goat's hide as loincloths, and they would whip the people they encountered with the strips of hide.
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Whatever kind of service you choose, take a look at our comprehensive guide to organising a funeral for plenty of useful tips for the perfect send-off. Bringing any photos and or small memory items you may have is a great way to celebrate the deceased by sharing wonderful memories with friends and family.
The priests would then run through the streets of Rome, wearing the goat's hide as loincloths, and they would whip the people they encountered with the strips of hide. It was believed that these whippings would cleanse the city and protect it from evil spirits, as well as promote fertility and ensure the health of pregnant women. Afterwards, a lottery would be held to pair up young men and women for the duration of the festival.
What to expect at a Pagan funeral
Paganism is often about the celebration of nature and life, honouring the earth and other creatures. This is reflected in how they conduct funerals, they view death as part of the cycle of life/death/rebirth.
Paganism is an umbrella term for a variety of spiritual paths such as Wicca, Druidry and Heathenry among many others. It is defined by the Pagan Federation (the closest you can get in Europe to an overarching “authority” on Paganism) as A polytheistic or pantheistic nature-worshipping religion”.
Simply put, Paganism involves the veneration of nature and multiple Gods and Goddesses. It is often conflated with witchcraft, though not all Pagans consider themselves witches, nor do all witches consider themselves Pagan.
Other common themes across the Pagan spectrum include a high reverence for the ancestors, a focus on a Goddess, the shunning of traditional religious dogma and avoidance of proselytism.
Pagans may have different beliefs about what happens after death, but many believe in reincarnation or the union of the spirit with nature.
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These pairings often led to marriages, and it was considered a good omen to be matched during Lupercalia. Lupercalia was a festival closely associated with fertility and purification. It was believed to bring blessings and protection to the city of Rome and its people. Throughout the festival, people would participate in various rituals and ceremonies to honor Lupercus and ensure the well-being of themselves and their community. Overall, Lupercalia was a unique and significant pagan festival that played a significant role in the ancient Roman culture. Although it has long been forgotten, it is remembered as an important part of Roman history and religious practices..
Reviews for "The Sacred Games of Lupercalia: A Pagan Festival Remembered"
1. Sarah M. - 2 stars
I was really excited to attend the Pagan festival dedicated to Lupercalia, as I had heard so much about it. However, I was quite disappointed with the overall experience. The organization of the event was chaotic, with long queues, limited seating, and disinterested staff. The performances were lackluster and did not live up to the hype. The food vendors were overpriced, and the quality of the food was mediocre at best. Overall, I found the festival to be underwhelming and not worth the time or money.
2. John P. - 1 star
Attending the Pagan festival dedicated to Lupercalia was an absolute waste of my time. The event lacked any sense of authenticity or cultural significance. It felt more like a cheap attempt to capitalize on a popular trend rather than a genuine celebration. The activities were uninspired, and the vendors were mostly selling cheap trinkets and merchandise. The entire event felt rushed and poorly organized. I would not recommend attending this festival unless you have a deep interest in being disappointed.
3. Emily H. - 2 stars
I had high hopes for the Pagan festival dedicated to Lupercalia, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The main issue was the lack of proper information and guidance provided to attendees. There were no clear instructions on where to go or what activities were available. The atmosphere was chaotic and felt unorganized. The performances were mediocre and the overall ambiance left much to be desired. The festival had potential, but it needs significant improvements in organization and execution to truly captivate attendees.
4. Brian G. - 1 star
I regret attending the Pagan festival dedicated to Lupercalia. The event appeared promising, but it quickly became apparent that it was a disorganized and poorly executed affair. The lack of clear signage and information led to confusion and frustration among attendees. The vendors were overpriced, and the products on offer felt generic and uninteresting. The performances were underwhelming, and the whole experience lacked any sense of wonder or magic. I would advise against attending this festival unless you enjoy wasting your time and money.