Valentine

• n. 瓦倫丁（姓氏）

來自拉丁語Valentinus,意大利守護聖人，字麵意思為力量，能力，詞源同valiant,據說是因為其紀念日期間，恰好是鳥兒互相選擇伴侶的時候，因而引申詞義情人節。

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]

1. He sang "My Funny Valentine" to a piano accompaniment.

他在鋼琴的伴奏下演唱了《我可愛的情人》。

來自柯林斯例句

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

今天是情人節，空氣中彌漫著愛情的氣息。

來自《權威詞典》

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

這說來可就話長了. Valentine是個牧師, 人們慶祝那天是為了紀念他.

來自地道口語脫口SHOW 高中超越版

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

大多數的情人卡要麽上麵有一顆心,要麽非常粗俗.

來自《簡明英漢詞典》

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

邱比特是情人節最著名的象征.

來自常春藤生活英語雜誌-2006年2月號