【英语时差8,16】情人节的玫瑰

 Valentine’s Day Roses The rose, as a symbol of love has been recurring¹ literary theme since the thirteenth century. There were at least three wild species of roses in Medieval Europe: the French Rose: “Rosa Gallica,” the Dog Rose “Rosa Canina” and the Eglantine Rose “Rose eglanteria” which was the rose celebrated² in the ancient story “The Romance of the Rose.” Decorative³ Valentine’s cards with flowery pictures and verses have been popular since the sixteenth century, though the practice of giving red roses as Valentines gifts is a modern phenomenon. The long stemmed red roses that are sold for Valentine’s Day are the result of careful hybridization. Growers follow a very precise schedule in order to ensure that their roses bloom in time to meet the demand for Valentines Day. The blooms look so perfect, but the scent⁴ is often not as enticing⁵ as that of old fashioned roses, and prices peak shortly before the 14th. An alternative to the all red bouquet⁶ is to buy some white roses and insert one red one in the center of the bunch. Actually the celebration of Valentines Day as a day celebrating love seems to have little connection with the Saint who died a martyr’s death on February 14, AD 270.

1 recurring   

adj.往复的，再次发生的

参考例句：

• This kind of problem is recurring often. 这类问题经常发生。
• For our own country, it has been a time for recurring trial. 就我们国家而言，它经过了一个反复考验的时期。

2 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。

3 decorative   

adj.装饰的，可作装饰的

参考例句：

• This ware is suitable for decorative purpose but unsuitable for utility.这种器皿中看不中用。
• The style is ornate and highly decorative.这种风格很华丽，而且装饰效果很好。

4 scent   

n.气味，香味，香水，线索，嗅觉；v.嗅，发觉

参考例句：

• The air was filled with the scent of lilac.空气中弥漫着丁香花的芬芳。
• The flowers give off a heady scent at night.这些花晚上散发出醉人的芳香。

5 enticing   

adj.迷人的；诱人的

参考例句：

• The offer was too enticing to refuse. 这提议太有诱惑力，使人难以拒绝。
• Her neck was short but rounded and her arms plump and enticing. 她的脖子短，但浑圆可爱；两臂丰腴，也很动人。

6 bouquet   

n.花束，酒香

参考例句：

• This wine has a rich bouquet.这种葡萄酒有浓郁的香气。
• Her wedding bouquet consisted of roses and ivy.她的婚礼花篮包括玫瑰和长春藤。