14 Feb 2012 ~ Valentine's Day

Listening to: Eminem ~ Puke (Encore)

And where does your sentiment for this "holiday" fall?

Is it all flowers and roses and candy hearts?

What is the social relevance to us?

[Deep Original: Fire and Rose are One]

What are the origins? As innocent and harmless as St. Valentine’s Day may appear, its traditions and customs originate from two of the most sexually perverted pagan festivals of ancient history: Lupercalia and the feast day of Juno Februata.

From the website of the Restored Church of Christ:

Celebrated on February 15, Lupercalia (known as the “festival of sexual license”) was held by the ancient Romans in honor of Lupercus, god of fertility and husbandry, protector of herds and crops, and a mighty hunter—especially of wolves. The Romans believed that Lupercus would protect Rome from roving bands of wolves, which devoured livestock and people.

To the Romans, February was also sacred to Juno Februata, the goddess of febris (“fever”) of love, and of women and marriage. On February 14, billets (small pieces of paper, each of which had the name of a teen-aged girl written on it) were put into a container. Teen-aged boys would then choose one billet at random. The boy and the girl whose name was drawn would become a “couple,” joining in erotic games at feasts and parties celebrated throughout Rome. After the festival, they would remain sexual partners for the rest of the year. This custom was observed in the Roman Empire for centuries.

Much better to take the clue from nature. Every day should be snuggle with your loved one day. [Photos courtesy of the UK Telegraph]

Lovebirds

Red-Eyed Tree Frogs

Giraffes

Imperial Cormorants

 Little Owls

King Penguins

Alpine Newts

Hippos