双语阅读：情人节的由来

以下是小编整理的生活类英语美文欣赏：情人节的由来， 希望对你有所收获。

St. Valentine's Day has roots in several differentlegends that have found their way to us through theages. One of the earliest popular symbols of theday is Cupid(爱神丘比特), the Roman god of love,who is represented by the image of a young boy withbow and arrow.

Three hundred years after the death of Jesus Christ,the Roman emperors still demanded that everyonebelieve in the Roman gods. Valentine, a Christianpriest, had been thrown in prison for his teachings.On February 14, Valentine was beheaded(斩首),not only because he was a Christian, but also because he had performed a miracle. Hesupposedly cured the jailer's daughter of her blindness. The night before he was executed, hewrote the jailer's daughter a farewell letter, signing it "From Your Valentine." Another legendtells us that this same Valentine, well-loved by all, received notes to his jail cell from childrenand friends who missed him.

Another Valentine was an Italian bishop who lived at about the same time, AD 200. He wasimprisoned because he secretly married couples, contrary to the laws of the Roman emperor.Some legends say he was burned at the stake.

February 14 was also a Roman holiday, held in honor of a goddess. Young men randomlychose the name of a young girl to escort to the festivities. The custom of choosing asweetheart on this date spread through Europe in the Middle Ages, and then to the earlyAmerican colonies. Throughout the ages, people also believed that birds picked their mates onFebruary 14!

In AD 496 Sain Pope Gelasius I named February 14 as "Valentine's Day". Although it's not anofficial holiday, most Americans observe this day.

Whatever the odd mixture of origins, St. Valentine's Day is now a day for sweethearts. It is theday that you show your friend or loved one that you care. You can send candy to someoneyou think is special. Or you can send roses, the flower of love. Most people send "valentines," agreeting card named after the notes that St. Valentine received in jail. Valentines can besentimental, romantic and heartfelt(真心真意的). They can be funny and friendly. If thesender is shy, valentines can be anonymous.

Americans of all ages love to send and receive valentines. Handmade valentines created bycutting hearts out of colored paper, show that a lot of thought was put into making thempersonal. Valentines can be heart-shaped, or have hearts, the symbol of love, on them. Inelementary schools children make valentines for their classmates and put them in a largedecorated box, similar to a mailbox. On February 14, the teacher opens the box anddistributes the valentines to each student. After the students read their valentines they have asmall party with refreshments.