tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5206380617235471991.post4186945825994621297..comments2023-10-26T09:58:01.275-04:00Comments on The Bowery Boys: New York City History: Whip it! Early Valentine's Day custom in old New York involved public displays of flirtatious flagellationThe Bowery Boys - Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15973633888975286268noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5206380617235471991.post-78820537507951249872013-02-15T08:32:11.525-05:002013-02-15T08:32:11.525-05:00Colbert addressed the roots of this last night on ...Colbert addressed the roots of this last night on his show, the Roman festival of Lupercalia held in mid-February. Wikipedia had this quote from Plutarch:<br /><br />Lupercalia, of which many write that it was anciently celebrated by shepherds, and has also some connection with the Arcadian Lycaea. At this time many of the noble youths and of the magistrates run up and down through the city naked, for sport and laughter striking those they meet with shaggy thongs. And many women of rank also purposely get in their way, and like children at school present their hands to be struck, believing that the pregnant will thus be helped in delivery, and the barren to pregnancy.<br /><br />JMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09876016557456927299noreply@blogger.com