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Lupercal

Definition

Lupercal refers to an ancient Roman festival held annually on February 15th in honor of Lupercus, the god associated with fertility and shepherds. During this festival, young men would run through the streets naked or partially clothed, striking women with strips of goat skin to promote fertility and ward off evil spirits.

Analogy

Imagine Lupercal as a wild and unconventional Valentine's Day celebration where instead of giving chocolates and flowers, people participate in a playful ritual to ensure good luck in relationships. It's like a quirky tradition that brings people together in an unexpected way.

Related terms

Festival: A special event or celebration that is often held annually and involves various activities, performances, or rituals.

Fertility: The ability to conceive children or produce offspring.

Ritual: A set of actions performed according to prescribed rules or customs, often associated with religious or cultural practices.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.