Take Away English-Valentine’s Day 情人节
时间：2019-01-02 作者：英语课 分类：Take Away English
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 celebrated 1 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 anonymous 2 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 frustrating 3 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 recipient 4 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 seasonal 5 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 extravagant 6, splashing out on a trip abroad or spa pampering 7 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）
- 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。
- 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。
- 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》
- 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。
- 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。
- 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。