To the Romans, superstitions were a natural part of life Stones, trees, springs, caves, lakes, swamps, mountains, animals and furniture were all thought to host spirits Children were told stories of nasty creatures that would eat them if they weren’t good

Mormo was a terrifying woman with donkey legs Lamia stalked around looking for children to eat Romans believed that some houses were haunted, especially if a crime, or murder, had taken place there Nobody would live in a haunted house and few would enter the building

They believed in werewolves Sea monsters lived in the surrounded seas Witches and vampires roamed the streets at night and were believed to sneak into the house of a dead man to rob and mutilate his corpse by eating its nose

Many believed in amulets and lucky charms Marriages were planned for certain days and months to prevent being overshadowed by a bad omen When walking into a house they took care to cross the threshold with their left foot

A black cat entering a house, a snake falling from the roof into the yard, or a splitting beam in the house were omens of disaster Spilling wine or oil could be a sign of bad things to come To stumble over the doorstep when leaving home was a bad omen and many would choose to spend the day at home

If someone mentioned fire at a banquet they could ward off bad luck by pouring water on the table Nightmares and bad dreams were also signs of bad luck There are many more superstitions

Held for over 1,000 years on February 15 th (the Ides of February) Honored the gods Faunus (“Pan” to the Greeks) and Lupercus, and to honor Romulus (founder of Rome) Lupus is Latin for “wolf”

Twin brothers Abandoned by parents as babies and put into a basket that was put into the river Discovered by a female wolf Wolf nursed them until they were found by a shepherd

After growing up they decided to build a city where the wolf had taken care of them The brothers fought over the location and Romulus killed Remus Romulus is the founder of Rome

Purpose was to ward off evil spirits and purify the city, releasing health and fertility Also dedicated to purging all afflictions and ills before the spring growing season Prayers asked for abundant crops and many healthy newborn animals

The festival began with the sacrificing of two male goats and a dog Following a feast, priests cut strips of skins from the animals The priests ran through the city striking women with the animal skins to ensure fertility It is believed that Valentine's Day began as part of Lupercalia

Goat, dog and Cupid