Valentine

• n. 瓦伦丁（姓氏）

来自拉丁语Valentinus,意大利守护圣人，字面意思为力量，能力，词源同valiant,据说是因为其纪念日期间，恰好是鸟儿互相选择伴侣的时候，因而引申词义情人节。

Valentine (n.)

mid-15c., "sweetheart chosen on St. Valentine's Day," from Late Latin Valentinus, the name of two early Italian saints (from Latin valentia "strength, capacity;" see valence). Choosing a sweetheart on this day originated 14c. as a custom in English and French court circles. Meaning "letter or card sent to a sweetheart" first recorded 1824. The romantic association of the day is said to be from it being around the time when birds choose their mates.

For this was on seynt Volantynys day
Whan euery bryd cometh there to chese his make.
[Chaucer, "Parlement of Foules," c. 1381]

Probably the date was the informal first day of spring in whatever French region invented the custom (many surviving medieval calendars reckon the start of spring on the 7th or 22nd of February). No evidence connects it with the Roman Lupercalia (an 18c. theory) or to any romantic or avian quality in either of the saints. The custom of sending special cards or letters on this date flourished in England c. 1840-1870, declined around the turn of the 20th century, and revived 1920s.

To speak of the particular Customs of the English Britons, I shall begin with Valentine's Day, Feb. 14. when young Men and Maidens get their several Names writ down upon Scrolls of Paper rolled up, and lay 'em asunder, the Men drawing the Maidens Names, and these the Mens; upon which, the Men salute their chosen Valentines and present them with Gloves, &c. This Custom (which sometimes introduces a Match) is grounded upon the Instinct of Animals, which about this Time of the Year, feeling a new Heat by the approach of the Sun, begin to couple. ["The Present State of Great Britain and Ireland" London, 1723]

来自柯林斯例句

2. It's Valentine's Day and lurve is in the air.

今天是情人节，空气中弥漫着爱情的气息。

来自《权威词典》

3. It's a long story. Valentine is a priest. People celebrate that day in memory of him.

这说来可就话长了. Valentine是个牧师, 人们庆祝那天是为了纪念他.

来自地道口语脱口SHOW 高中超越版

4. Most of the valentine cards either had hearts on them or were very rude.

大多数的情人卡要么上面有一颗心,要么非常粗俗.

来自《简明英汉词典》

5. Cupid is the most famous symbol of Valentine's Day.

邱比特是情人节最著名的象征.

来自常春藤生活英语杂志-2006年2月号