Take Away English-Valentine’s Day 情人节

Chocolates and roses - traditional gifts for a loved one

In many countries around the world, people in love are gearing up for Valentine's Day, a festival to celebrate romantic love.

In the UK, 14th February is usually celebrated¹ by sending or giving Valentine's cards, and sometimes gifts. The day is celebrated by people already in a committed relationship, but also by people who want to tell someone they have feelings for them.

Traditionally, people may send an anonymous² card or gift if they are holding a torch for someone who doesn't know it, to make a declaration of love. Though it's very flattering to receive an anonymous card, it could be frustrating³ if you have no idea who your secret admirer is, and you are looking for a relationship!

The word 'Valentine' was originally the name of a saint. Now, you can say that you're sending someone 'a Valentine', or sometimes, 'Valentine' can mean the person who is sending or receiving the card. Some people sign a card 'from your Valentine', and some ask the recipient⁴ to 'be my Valentine'.

As well as cards, many other tokens of love are exchanged on Valentine's Day. Flowers are one of the most common gifts to give, with red roses being seen as the most traditionally romantic flowers.

However, in these days of eco-awareness some people are rejecting hot-house flowers such as roses, for seasonal⁵ flowers native to Britain, for example snowdrops, which grow naturally in Britain in February. This is because of the high carbon footprint of imported or hot house flowers, and the chemicals used.

Other gifts which are common include jewellery and chocolates, but some people are even more extravagant⁶, splashing out on a trip abroad or spa pampering⁷ day for their loved one. But some people would insist 'it's the thought that counts', and appreciate a handmade card and gift, such as home-made heart-shaped cookies more than an expensive one.

GLOSSARY 词汇表

gearing up for 为……做好准备 anonymous 匿名的 flattering 谄媚的, 讨人欢喜的 secret admirer 神秘的爱慕者 tokens of love 对爱的表示 hot-house flowers 温室培植的鲜花 native 当地的, 本土的 imported 进口的 spa pampering day (一天的)水疗护理享受

committed 作出承诺 holding a torch for 举着火把（示爱） frustrating 沮丧的 recipient 收到卡的人, 接受者 eco-awareness 环保意识 seasonal 季节性的 carbon footprint 碳足迹 splashing out on 大肆挥霍 it's the thought that counts 重在情意（不在礼重）

1 celebrated   

adj.有名的，声誉卓著的

参考例句：

• He was soon one of the most celebrated young painters in England.不久他就成了英格兰最负盛名的年轻画家之一。
• The celebrated violinist was mobbed by the audience.观众团团围住了这位著名的小提琴演奏家。

2 anonymous   

adj.无名的；匿名的；无特色的

参考例句：

• Sending anonymous letters is a cowardly act.寄匿名信是懦夫的行为。
• The author wishes to remain anonymous.作者希望姓名不公开。

3 frustrating   

adj.产生挫折的，使人沮丧的，令人泄气的v.使不成功( frustrate的现在分词 )；挫败；使受挫折；令人沮丧

参考例句：

• It's frustrating to have to wait so long. 要等这么长时间，真令人懊恼。
• It was a demeaning and ultimately frustrating experience. 那是一次有失颜面并且令人沮丧至极的经历。 来自《简明英汉词典》

4 recipient   

a.接受的,感受性强的 n.接受者,感受者,容器

参考例句：

• Please check that you have a valid email certificate for each recipient. 请检查是否对每个接收者都有有效的电子邮件证书。
• Colombia is the biggest U . S aid recipient in Latin America. 哥伦比亚是美国在拉丁美洲最大的援助对象。

5 seasonal   

adj.季节的，季节性的

参考例句：

• The town relies on the seasonal tourist industry for jobs.这个城镇依靠季节性旅游业提供就业机会。
• The hors d'oeuvre is seasonal vegetables.餐前小吃是应时蔬菜。

6 extravagant   

adj.奢侈的；过分的；(言行等)放肆的

参考例句：

• They tried to please him with fulsome compliments and extravagant gifts.他们想用溢美之词和奢华的礼品来取悦他。
• He is extravagant in behaviour.他行为放肆。

7 pampering   

v.纵容，宠，娇养( pamper的现在分词 )

参考例句：

• But you need to make an appointment because these people are usually very busy pampering pets. 但是你需要先预约，因为这些人通常都在忙于照顾宠物们。 来自超越目标英语 第2册
• He had been pampering, and coaxing, and indulging that individual all his life. 他一生都在姑息、迁就、纵容那家伙。 来自辞典例句