There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries.
关于情人节的起源有很多种说法。有关人士认为情人节是一个名叫桑特-瓦伦丁的人士发起的。他是罗马人，因为拒绝放弃基督教而于公元前269年2月14日惨遭杀害，这一天也正好是全城风行彩票抽奖的日子。
Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine".
而另外一种说法更具有传奇色彩，相传桑特-瓦伦丁曾留下一本日记给了狱卒的女儿，署名为“你的情人”，据说这名狱卒的女儿就是桑特-瓦伦丁的情人。
Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine.
还有其它的说法也颇为有趣。比如说有人认为在克劳迪亚斯君王统治时期，桑特-瓦仑丁曾经是一名神父，因为公然挑战克劳迪亚斯君王的权威身陷囹圄。所以公元前496年罗马教皇格莱西亚斯特意将2月14日作为一个特别的日子以纪念桑特-瓦伦丁。
Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers. There was often a social gathering or a ball.
此后2月14日就成为了一个具有特别意义的日子。在这天人们向自己心仪的人传递信息以示爱意。而天经地义的桑特 瓦仑丁也就成为了为恋爱中的男女们牵线搭桥的人。在2月14日这天人们会特意做诗或者用一些小礼品送给自己心爱的人。而且人们还会组织各种各样的聚会来庆祝这个特别的节日。
In the United States, Miss Esther Howland is given credit for sending the first valentine cards. Commercial valentines were introduced in the 1800's and now the date is very commercialised.
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