Lupercalia

Lupercalia, in the ancient Roman religion, was a festival held on the 15th of February in honour of Lupercus, a pastoral deity of primitive character. Goats and dogs were sacrificed, and the Luperci, or priests of Lupercus, then ran round the city walls, striking everyone they encountered with thongs formed from the skins of the victims. In the case of women these blows were supposed to prevent or cure sterility. Mark Antony (q.v.) was one of these priests.