Traditions and customs: Valentine's Day in Great Britain. St
Cold, dreary days of February…. These days all people need love, warmth and affection more than ever. Read our notes about St. Valentine’s Day, get to know about its origin, practice English and enjoy yourself. Don’t forget to share your feelings of affection with people you love .
St. Valentine's Day is celebrated by lovers on February, 14. It is the holiday of love and friendship. People give romantic cards and gifts to those who they are in love. Sometimes they do it secretly.
The saying “Be my Valentine!” means “be my friend or be my love”. Heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, hand-made valentines, bright red paper hearts, cupids and flowers are popular gifts on this day.
This holiday is traditionally celebrated in the USA. Nowadays this celebration has spread all over the world. The most popular color of the day is red as it is associated with feelings, especially love. The holiday has some symbols, one of them is Cupid, the Roman god of Love. The Cupid is usually drawn as a young boy with wings, who holds a bow and an arrow.
The first legend tells us that three hundred years after the death of Christ, Roman Emperors still forced everyone to believe in the Roman gods. On the 14th of February there was a custom to celebrate the Day of Faun, a Roman god of forests and fields, the patron of farmers and cattle-breeders. That god had an image of a man with a goat’s horns, ears, legs, and tail. On that day young men gathered to cast lots and thus they chose young girls to be their wives for the rest of the year. This custom was similar to the bird’s picking their mates on the same day as in early times there was a strong belief that they did it on that very day. That might explain why love-birds seem to be so popular on Valentine cards.
The other legend tells us about an Italian bishop who lived at about the same time. He refused to worship the Roman gods and was imprisoned because he had secretly married couples, contrary to the laws of the Roman Emperor. According to those laws young people were forbidden to marry as they had to be free to be good warriors.
The third legend tells us that St. Valentine was a Christian priest who lived in Rome and was thrown in prison for his teachings. He died for his faith on the 14th of February A.D.170. He was supposed to have cured the jailer’s daughter of her blindness as well. But he was not noted for helping lovers in distress and was not the patron saint of lovers.
What is love like? Questions And Answers
These are the questions:
- What is love like?
- What does love do?
- Who does a young man fall in love with ?
- When do they fall in love?
- How do they fall in love?
- What are they?
- Describe the only girl in the world.
- When the only man in the world falls in love with the only girl, what does he do?
- What happens after that?
- What is marriage?
- Where are marriages made?
These are the answers. They are mixed up:
- At first sight.
- Her eyes are like ( How) stars, her teeth are like pearls.
- Love is blind.
- Madly.
- He walks on air.
- Marriage is a lottery.
- Marriages are made in heaven.
- They get married.
- Victims of cupid's darts.
- With the only girl in the world.
- Love makes the world go round.
What is love? Questions and answers
(translated into Russian):
- What is love like? - Love is blind.
- What does love do? – Love makes the world go round.
- Who does the young man fall in love with? - The only girl in the world.
- When do they fall in love? - At first sight.
- How do they fall in love? - Crazy.
- Who are the lovers? – Victims of Cupid's arrows.
- Describe the only girl in the world. “Her eyes shine like stars, her teeth are white like pearls, her lips are red like rubies, her cheeks are the color of a damask rose.
- What happens when the only boy in the world falls in love with the only girl in the world? “He can’t feel his feet under him.”
- What happens next? - They are getting married.
- What is marriage like? – Marriage is a lottery.
- Where do marriages take place? - Marriages are made in heaven.
One of the most favorite holidays for lovers is, of course, Valentine's Day. Recently, this holiday has become popular in Russia. February 14 is now considered a romantic holiday for all lovers.
How do you say Valentine's Day in English? The writing is as follows: St. Valetine's Day, or simply Valentive's Day. They also say - Happy Valentine's Day- Happy Valentine's day.
Below I will tell you how to congratulate the person you are in love with on Valentine's Day.
As for the history of the holiday, it is as follows - the Italian martyr Saint Valentine secretly married lovers who approached him according to Christian rites, for which he was killed by the authorities, since Christianity was banned.
So Saint Valentine became a symbol for all lovers - this is the day of gifts, beautiful cards in the shape of a heart. Romantic dates are also arranged on this day.
From the article you will learn:
Dictionary - useful words and phrases for greetings on Valentine's Day
Below is a dictionary that will help you write a short love message in English.
- Valentine's Day— Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14th.
- love- affection, sympathy, love
- heart- heart
- chocolate- chocolate
- present- present
- valentine— valentine, a humorous message of love
- cupid- cupid
- hug- hug tightly
- propose- offer
- romantic- romantic
- flowers- flowers
- gift- present
- jewelery- Jewelry
- date- date
- to fall in love- fall in love
- loving couple- couple in love
Happy Valentine's Day greetings in English with translation
On this day, as already mentioned, lovers and others give each other small cards - valentines. At the same time, a pleasant phrase is written inside the valentine card.
Be My Valentine Love!- Be my valentine!
Won't You Be My Valentine!- Be my valentine!
Wishing You To Be My Valentine!- I want you to be my valentine!
You Are In My Thoughts…- I constantly think about you...
Will U Be My Valentine?-Will you be my valentine?
You Are My Life.- You are my life
I love you.- I love you
Baby, Be My Valentine- Baby, be my valentine!
You Are My Everything.- You are the whole world to me!
Take A Chance On Me, Valentine!- Give me a chance!
You Are Hot!-You're such a hot thing!
My Heart Leads Me To You...- I am drawn to you with all my heart!
You Warm My Heart.- It’s always warmer with you
Let Me Be Your Valentine!- Let me be your Valentine!
With Love For My Best Friend.— To my best friend/girlfriend with love!
Here is the key to my heart, Valentine!- I give you the key to my heart!
Happy Valentine's Day.— Happy St. Day. Valentina!
Be Mine.- Be mine…
Text in English about Valentine's Day in English
St Valentine’s Day comes on February 14. It is not a legal or national holiday. Banks and offices are not closed, but it is a happy little festival for young people.
It is widely celebrated among people of all ages by exchange of “valentines”. A “valentine” may mean a special greeting-card or a little present. The day is the time to send little gifts to those you love.
Valentine’s Day is the second largest card-sending holiday of the year (after Christmas).
Approximately 85 percent of all valentines are purchased by women.
Nowadays Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many countries of the world on February 14. It is a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as “valentines”). Modern Valentine’s Day symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid.
Translating to Russian language
Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14th. This is not a national or public holiday. Banks and offices do not close on this day, but it is a fun holiday for young people.
Valentine's Day is the second holiday of the year in terms of the number of cards sent (after Christmas).
About 85% of all Valentine cards are bought by women.
This day is widely celebrated among people of all ages by exchanging Valentine cards. A Valentine is a special card or small gift. On this day, it is customary to send small gifts to those you love. Flowers and chocolates are favorite gifts that lovers send to each other. The candies are packed in red heart-shaped boxes and are sold everywhere on this day.
Nowadays, Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14th in many countries around the world. It is a day when lovers express their love for each other by giving flowers, confectionery and sending cards (called "Valentines"). Modern symbols of Valentine's Day include a heart-shaped card, doves, roses and the figure of a winged Cupid.
Video - congratulations on Valentine's Day - St. Valentine's Day in English
Beautiful music, beautiful words, using this video you can write a confession to your loved one or someone you like - watch and enjoy! Be happy, romantic and loved!
1 Valentine's Day (voiced words, transcription)
Click on an English word to listen (or listen in the player)
[ˈvæl.ən.taɪnzˌdeɪ] – Valentine’s Day (the holiday of all lovers, celebrated on February 14)
["væləntaɪn] – 1) valentine (love or humorous message, poems sent on Valentine's Day); beloved, beloved (usually chosen as a joke on February 14th, on St. Valentine's Day)
- love, affection, sympathy
– kiss
- hug tightly, squeeze in an embrace; show favor, love
- heart
– romantic
["kjuːpɪd] – Cupid
- bouquet
["ʧɔklət] – chocolate
["prez(ə)nt] – gift
- offer
Other words:
card- postcard; flowers- flowers; jewelery– jewelry; gift- present; date- date
couple- pair; loving couple, pair of lovers/sweethearts- couple in love; be in love (with)- to be in love; to fall in love (with)- fall in love (with someone)
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2 Video about the history of Valentine's Day (in English)
3 Making Chocolate Covered Cherries for Valentine's Day (in English)
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4 Features of the use of the verb to love / love
1. The Russian verb to love can correspond to verbs to love And to like.
Verb to love denotes a deep feeling of affection that the subject experiences towards someone: to love one"s parents (one"s children, one"s family).
Verb to like smb, smth, doing smth denotes pleasant sensations, pleasure from something, from communicating with someone.
2. Preposition for with the word love introduces animate nouns that are syntactically dependent on it in constructions like smb"s love for smb(someone loves someone); preposition with the same words of introduces inanimate nouns that are syntactically dependent on it in constructions like smb"s love of smth(anyone likes something).
3. Verb to love– not used in the form Continuous(in the continuous form of future, present and past tense).
...........................................5 Song in English: So this is love / So this is love...
So this is love, mmm...
So this is love.
So this is what makes life divine.
I"m all aglow, mmm...
And now I know (and now I know)...
The key to all heaven is mine.
My heart has wings, mmm...
And I can fly.
I"ll touch every star in the sky.
So this is the miracle
That I"ve been dreaming of.
Mmm, mmm...
So this is love.
6 Audio lesson: Valentine's Day (BBC)
It"s that time of the year when couples show their love for each other by sending cards, flowers and chocolates. But Valentine"s Day is not only about public displays of affection: in recent years it has also become big business. In the UK alone, more than GBP20 million is spent on flowers, while in the United States over $1 billion is forked out on chocolates.
Although Valentine's Day has become a global industry with more than 80 million roses sold worldwide, the origins of the day are unclear and hidden in the mists of time. Nobody knows exactly who St Valentine was, although some historians suggest he was a Roman martyred in the third century AD by a Roman Emperor. It is said that the first recorded Valentine's card was sent by the imprisoned Duke of Orleans in 1415. It is believed that he sought solace from his confinement by writing love poems to his wife .
Valentine's Day, or its equivalent, is now celebrated in many countries around the world. However, the traditions often from place to place. In Japan, for example, it is customary for the woman to send chocolates to the man, while in Korea April 14th is known as "Black Day" and is when the unfortunate men who received nothing on Valentine's Day gather to eat noodles and commiserate with each other.
Technological developments have also played their part in keeping Valentine"s Day relevant in the 21st century. Valentine"s e-cards have been all the rage in recent years. However, internet security experts urge web users to be wary as malicious hackers could use e-cards to spread viruses and spyware.
Valentine's cards can also be used for less than romantic purposes. Police in the UK city of Liverpool sent Valentine's cards to criminals who failed to appear in court or have not paid fines. The cards contained the verse, "Roses are red, violets are blue, you"ve got a warrant, and we"d love to see you." Who says romance is dead?
public displays of affection– public displays of warm feelings/love
over $1 billion is forked out- building unfasten more than a billion dollars
hidden in the mist of time- has sunk into oblivion
martyred- building who was martyred
recorded– known or recorded
imprisoned– prisoners
sought solace- looked for consolation
confinement– imprisonment
it is customary– accepted/considered commonplace
commiserate- express sympathy
e-cards– e-cards
all the rage- a cry of fashion
viruses- computer viruses
spyware– spyware (collecting information from computers infected with viruses)
7 Idioms about love in English
blind love- blind love
unrequited love- unrequited love
love-lorn– hopelessly in love, abandoned
lovesick– yearning for love; looking for love
love philtre, love potion– love potion, love potion
love-story- love story; story, love story
love in a cottage- heaven in a hut
love-match- love-match
love knot– bow as a symbol of love, union (tied in a figure eight)
love seat– sofa, armchair for two
love chest- Amer. box with the initials of the newlyweds (wedding gift)
love curls– curls covering part of the face
love apple- outdated tomato
at love– “dry” (without allowing the enemy to earn a single point)
to play for love- play not for money
man of heart- man of heart
stout heart– devoted heart, reliable ally
to gladden smb."s heart- to please someone, to bring joy to someone.
to harden smb."s heart- to harden someone heart
to speak from the heart- speak from the heart, sincerely
from the bottom of one's heart- from the depths of the soul
at heart- deep down
to pluck up heart- gather your courage, gather your courage
to set one's heart- decide (to do something)
to win smb."s heart- to conquer smb. heart
the heart of the matter- the crux of the matter
with half a heart– reluctantly
with a single heart- unanimously
heart and hand- with enthusiasm, with energy
out of heart- in despondency, in bad condition
by heart- by heart, from memory
heart-throb– heartthrob
chicken-heart- cowardice, cowardice; coward, wet chicken
change of heart– change of point of view (often to the exact opposite), transition to the other side
lay to heart- take seriously, take to heart (advice, reproach)
cross one's heart- swear that you are telling the truth
Purple Heart- Amer. military Purple Heart medal (for wounds in combat)
St. Valentine's Day massacre- the St. Valentine's Day massacre, the name given to the reprisal of the mafioso from the Al Capone group against the bandits led by George Moran, in Chicago on February 14, 1929, during Prohibition in the United States
blind date- Amer. decomposition blind date with a stranger
Glasgow kiss– British decomposition headbutt (in a fight)
kiss of death– “kiss of death”, the last straw (a neutral or seemingly favorable event or action that leads to catastrophic consequences, final collapse)
kiss of life– “kiss of life” (method of artificial respiration - mouth to mouth)
kiss the book– kiss the Bible when taking the oath in court
kiss-and-tell- talking about his love affair (with some famous person)
kiss-in-the-ring– an ancient game (in which the one who catches kisses the caught one)
kiss off– colloquial dismiss, expel from work; decomposition get away, hide
kiss-me-quick- ladies' hat in the form of a hood (fashion of the 50s of the XIX century)
to marry off a daughter- marry off daughter
daughter nation- descendant people
8 Proverbs about love in English
Love and a cough cannot be hidden.
You can't hide love and a cough.
All the world loves a lover.
The whole world loves a lover.
All's fair in love and war.
In love and war, all means are fair.
Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.
It is better to love and lose than to never love.
Love is blind.
Love is blind.
Love me, love my dog.
If you love me, love my dog too.
Love is harder to accept than to give.
Love is harder to receive than to give.
Love lives in cottages as well as in courts.
Love lives in shacks and palaces.
The heart that once truly loves never forgets.
True love is never forgotten.
Faint heart never won fair lady.
A timid heart has never won a beautiful lady.
Far from eye, far from heart.
Out of sight, out of mind.
A merry heart is a good medicine.
A happy heart is the best medicine.
A honey tongue, a heart of gall.
A tongue of honey, and a heart of bile.
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9 Games, songs, stories in English on the theme of Valentine's Day (flash)
Legends of Saint Valentines
There are several legends about the origin of the Valentine's Day celebration. One of them says that February 14 is the day of execution of the Roman doctor and priest, Saint Valentine, who secretly married Christian soldiers, violating the emperor’s ban. According to another similar legend, while in prison, Valentine fell in love with the blind daughter of his jailer, whom he healed. Before his execution, the saint gave her a letter ending with the words “from your Valentine.”
From the Catholic Encyclopedia it follows that at least three Valentines became martyrs. One was a priest in Rome, the second was a bishop in the modern Italian city of Terni, the third lived in Egypt. The Egyptian Saint Valentine lived approximately 100–153 AD. He was one of the candidates for the post of Bishop of Rome. In his sermons, he extolled the virtues of marriage as a central place for the practice of Christian love. Almost nothing is known about the circumstances of his death, and the place of his burial is also unknown.
In 496 AD. Pope Gelasius established that February 14 is the day of remembrance of St. Valentine. And in 1969, Saint Valentine was removed from the calendar of saints because his historicity was questioned. Modern Catholics on February 14 celebrate only the day of remembrance of Saints Cyril and Methodius, the creators of the Cyrillic alphabet.
According to another version, the prototype of Valentine's Day was a pagan holiday. In Ancient Rome, a fertility festival (Lupercalia) was celebrated, dedicated to the wife of Jupiter - the goddess Juno (the patroness of love and marriage).
Attributes of Valentine's Day in the USA
Today, the traditional symbols of this holiday in the United States are cupids ( cupids), pigeons ( doves), cooing birds ( birds), roses ( roses), hearts ( hearts), Cupid's arrows ( arrows). Small lace napkins are also common ( doilies), decorated with this symbolism.
Valentines/"Valentines"
90% of American households purchase such cards every year. Every year on the eve of Valentine's Day, more than 190 million cards ("Valentines") are sold in the United States. 32% of them contain ready-made text with romantic content, 45% - humorous inscriptions. In terms of the number of cards sold, Valentine's Day ranks second, second only to Christmas.
Mothers receive every fifth Valentine's card given by Americans and American women.
Women usually buy postcards more often, men more often choose more expensive works of printing art.
Sweets/ Candies
More than 36 million boxes of chocolates are sold in the United States every year on Valentine's Day. Surveys show that loving Americans on the eve of Valentine's Day prefer to buy sweets and chocolates in specialized stores. In 2004, there were 3,467 of them in the United States.
Flowers/ Flowers
On Valentine's Day 2006, 189 million roses were sold in the United States, and 74% of their buyers were men. It is curious that flower buyers most often give them to their loved ones, including wives, and female buyers give them to their mothers. The set of flowers that Americans prefer to buy on the eve of the holiday differs from the average: 54% of sales are roses (mostly red), 23% are mixed bouquets, 10% are carnations.
Valentine's Day provides the largest flower sales in the United States: flower sales on this day account for 35% of sales on all holidays.
Jewelery/ Jewelry
In 2005, there were almost 28.8 thousand jewelry stores in the United States. Their average monthly sales are approximately $2.6 billion. In the same year, 1.8 thousand jewelry workshops operated in the United States, their production volume amounted to $9 billion.
The history of the first "Valentine"
Edna Barth, author of Hearts, Cupids and Red Roses: A History of the Symbols of Valentine's Day Hearts, cupids, and red roses: The story of the Valentine symbols, provides many stories about the existence of traditions similar to those now associated with the celebration of Valentine's Day.
Despite the fact that the church condemned the love lotteries of Ancient Rome, they existed subsequently. In the Middle Ages, similar customs existed in France, Italy and Germany. Sometimes lovers who won each other in the lottery decorated their sleeves with identical red hearts. In medieval England, children dressed up in adult clothes and sang carols, going around houses with songs of love. In Wales, on February 14, loved ones were given wooden spoons decorated with hearts, locks and keys. In many countries, fortune-telling was practiced on the betrothed-mummers, similar to Epiphany fortune-telling in Russia.
Valentine's Day is also mentioned in the works of classics. The corresponding verse, for example, was written in 1382 by Geoffrey Chaucer, thus marking the year of the engagement of King Richard II of England and Anne of Bohemia. In Hamlet, William Shakespeare put a mention of this day into Ophelia's mouth.
Perhaps the first “Valentine” was sent to his wife by Charles, Duke of Orleans. This happened in 1415, when the Duke was imprisoned in London (during the Hundred Years' War, he was captured by the British after defeat at the Battle of Agincourt). One of the first "Valentines", created around the same time, is now kept in the British Museum in London. Later, in many European countries, lovers made postcards themselves or ordered postcards from artists, often accompanying passionate confessions with romantic poems (borrowed or their own).
The American Esther Howland is considered the inventor of modern “Valentines”. In 1840, she sent the first greeting cards for Valentine's Day, and a little later she created a publishing company specializing in the production of Valentine cards.
The first box of Valentine's chocolates was made in England at the beginning of the 19th century. Around the middle of the 19th century, a tradition arose of making special cakes, pastries, and cookies, decorated with appropriate symbols and inscriptions.
Cards and puzzles on the theme of Valentine's Day (in English)
Playful poems and rhymes about love
If You Love Me...
If You Love Me
If you love me, love me true
Send me a ribbon, and let it be blue;
If you hate me, let it be seen,
Send me a ribbon, a ribbon of green.
5 little hearts
5 little hearts, all in a row
The first one said, "I love you so."
The second one said, "Will you be my Valentine?"
The third one said, "I will, if you"ll be mine,"
The fourth one said, "I"ll always be your friend."
The fifth one said, "Until the very end."
Roses Are Red
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Sugar is sweet,
And so are you!
To My Valentine
If apples were pears
And peaches were plums,
And the rose had a different name,
If tigers were bears
and fingers were thumbs,
I"d love you just the same.
One, I love...
One – I love,
Two – I love,
Three – I love, I say;
Four – I love with all my heart,
Five – I cast away.
One, he loves...
One, he loves; two, he loves;
Three, he loves, they say;
Four, he loves with all his heart;
Five, he casts away.
Six, he loves; seven, she loves;
Eight, they both love.
Nine, he comes; ten, he tarries;
Eleven, he courts; twelve, he marries.
My love
A peck of meal upon her back,
A babby in her basket;
Saw ye aught of my love a-coming from the market?
Ring a Ring O'Roses
Ring a ring o" roses,
A pocketful of positions.
Tisha! Tisha!
We all fall down.
St. Valentines Day (February, 14th) | Valentine's Day (February 14) |
| St. Valentine's Day is neither a national holiday nor especially religious, despite the fact that it is named in honor of two early Christian martyrs named Valentine. Still, it is hard to imagine theAmerican holiday calendar without the heartfelt expressions of loveexchanged on that day between sweethearts, good friends, acquaintances,and even spouses of many years. Whatever the appropriate sentiment andregardless of reciprocation, people take the time and trouble (and card,flower, perfume, and candy merchants help them!) to send a message tothose people in the focus of their attention. Robert Burns sang his beloved "My Love is like a red, red rose," and tothis day red roses are appropriate for that one special love. However, yellow roses are also popular on that day as a sign of friendship, and forget-me-nots always make sense. | Valentine's Day is neither a national holiday nor a religious holiday, despite the fact that it is named after two Christian martyrs with the name Valentine. However, it would be difficult to imagine the American calendar without this holiday full of love and confessions exchanged between lovers, friends, acquaintances and spouses with a long history of life. No matter how we feel or whether it is mutual, we spend time and effort (and sellers of cards, flowers, perfumes and candies help us with this!) to send a gift to the person at the center of our attention. Robert Berne sang to his beloved “My Love is like a red, red rose,” (“Love is like a red rose...”) so on this holiday everyone gives red roses, symbolizing that one and only love. However, yellow roses also do not go unnoticed, They are a symbol of friendship; forget-me-nots are also given on this day. |
| Flowers or anonymous messages from someone shy or tender-hearted may be signed simply "from a secret admirer," in the relative certainty that the person receiving them can easily guess who the sender is. Whatever the reasons, Americans of all ages love to send and receive valentines and to hear and sing the thousands of new and traditional love songs, which flood television and radio programs on that day. Songslike "You are my Sunshine", "My Love", "More", "I"ll Have to Say I LoveYou in a Song", and countless others boom out to reach the ears of apublic which has tacitly agreed to be romantic, at least for a day. | Flowers and anonymous messages from a timid or sensitive person can simply be signed as “from a secret admirer,” with the relative certainty that the person to whom they are given knows who they are from. Regardless, Americans of all ages love to send and receive Valentine's cards and listen to and sing the thousands of new and old love songs that now flood the radio and television. Songs such as: “You are that Sunshine”, “My Love”, “More”, “I"ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song” and other countless hits appear to reach the ears of millions of listeners who silently agreed to become romantics, at least at least for one day. |
| In the days leading up to Valentine's Day, school children typicallymake valentines for their teachers and classmates and put them in alarge decorated mailbox. When the big day arrives, the teacher opens thebox and distributes the valentines into eager hands. As the studentsexcitedly read their messages, refreshments are prepared, and then they have a small party. Honestly speaking, with so much excitement and emotion in the air, fewAmericans have taken the time to find out much about the origins of St. Valentine's Day. The celebration dates back to the ancient Romanfestival called "Lupercalia" which took place on February 14th or 15thin honor of Juno, the Roman Goddess of women, and Pan, the god ofnature. On that day a curious courting ritual was played out in whichyoung men randomly drew love messages written and decorated by youngwomen. Thus, "matched by fate," the two would be partners at theupcoming festival. This echoes the old folk tradition that the birdschoose their mates on this day as well. | A few days before Valentine's Day, schoolchildren usually make "Valentines" for their teachers and classmates and put them in a large decorated mailbox. On the day of the holiday, the teacher takes out “Valentines” from the box and distributes them to eager students. While the students excitedly read their messages, snacks are prepared and then a small party is held. Frankly, with such passions and parade of emotions on this day, few Americans tried to find out more about the origins of the holiday. The holiday originated from the ancient Roman festival called “Lupercalia”, celebrated on February 14-15 in honor of Juno, the Roman goddess, patroness of women and Pan, god of nature. On this day, a courtship ritual was carried out, in which young people chose at random and read messages written and decorated by different girls. Thus, the two chosen by fate became partners for the duration of the celebration. This echoes the old folk tradition that birds also choose mates for themselves on this day. |
| But merely imitating what the birds did could hardly justify the continuation and spread of this Roman custom throughout Christian Europe in the Middle Ages. It needed the sanction of the church and authorityof some martyred saint. And two likely candidates were soon found. Thefirst Valentine was a Christian priest who was imprisoned and executedin the third century for spreading the teachings of Christ. On February14, he was beheaded, but before he managed to heal the jailer's blinddaughter and write her a farewell letter, which he signed "From YourValentine." The second Valentine was an Italian bishop who lived at about the same time and was imprisoned for secretly marrying couples,contrary to the laws of the Roman emperor. Legend has it that he was burned at the stake. The lives and deeds of these two men certainly fitin well with the theme needed to keep February 14th in the holidaycalendar. | But by imitating the actions of birds it is difficult to justify the continuation and spread of this Roman custom throughout Christian Europe in the Middle Ages. To do this, permission from the church and the authority of some holy martyr were needed. And soon two candidates were found and committed to martyrdom. The first, Valentine, a Christian priest, was imprisoned and then executed, in the third century, for spreading the teachings of Christ. On February 14, he was beheaded, but before his death he managed to heal the jailer’s blind daughter, and wrote her a farewell letter, which he signed: “From your Valentine.” Another Valentine was an Italian bishop who lived around the same time and was in prison, but he married couples in secret, which was against the laws of the Roman Emperor. Legend has it that he was burned at the stake. The life and death of these two people were very suitable for the day of February 14 to remain a calendar holiday. |
| Among all the red hearts, birds, love letters, candies, chocolates and kisses which comprise valentine symbolism and realia, Cupid or Eros is the unquestioned favorite in personifying the spirit of the day.According to Greek (and later Roman) tradition, Cupid was the eternallychild -like son of Venus, the goddess of love. Although he remained ababy, he could fly and was equipped with a tiny bow and countless golden arrows forged for him by the god of fire Vulcan. His mother gave the arrows special power, and that is why if Cupid shot you with his arrow,you would fall in love with the first person you met | Among the red hearts, birds, love letters, candies, chocolates and kisses that are part of the symbolism and reality of Valentines, Cupid or Eros is undoubtedly the main symbol that embodies the spirit of this holiday. Judging by the Greek (and then Roman) tradition, Cupid was an eternal child - the son of Venus, the goddess of love. Although he was a child, he could fly and had a tiny bow and numerous arrows forged for him from gold by the god of fire, Vulcan. Mother gave the arrows special powers, and if Cupid hits you with one of them, you will fall in love with the first person you meet. |
| Many teenagers and adults today send in messages to major newspapersthroughout the country which, for a small fee, print anyone"s valentinemessage in a special section of the February 14th issue, whether it beaddressed to a wished for sweetheart, secret lover, or to a friend and companion of many years. | Today, many teenagers and adults send their messages to the country's major newspapers, which, for a small fee, print them in a special section dedicated to February 14th, regardless of whether it is addressed to a loved one, a secret lover, a friend or a companion whom you have known for many years. |
Vocabulary
spouse - spouse, married couple
reciprocation - reciprocal action, mutual exchange
forget-me-not - forget-me-not
appropriate [∂"pr∂upnit] - suitable
sign - sign
to make sense - to make sense
tacitly ["tæsitli] - silently, without words
refreshments - snacks
origin ["oridзin] - origin, source
to court - to court, seduce
randomly - at random
to draw (drew, drawn) - to drag
mate - male, female (in birds); spouse)
martyred ["ma:t∂d] - dedicated to martyrdom
priest - priest
to heal - to heal, to heal
bishop - episcop
stake - pillar, stake, pole to which the person condemned to be burned was tied, trans., with the definite article death at the stake, burning alive
to comprise - contain, contain, enter
bow [b∂u] - bow
arrow - arrow
to forge - forge
fee - fee
issue ["i∫u:] - release
Questions
1. Is St. Valentines Day a national holiday or especially religious?
2. How is St. Valentine's Day usually celebrated?
3. What flowers are the most popular?
4. How are the messages signed?
5. How do school children mark this day?
6. What are the origins of St. Valentine's Day?
7. What are the symbols of this day?
Admit it: you're in love! You are crazy in love! Even English seems to have become a little easier to learn.
Especially for all lovers, we have compiled a list of the 14 most romantic English words and expressions that can turn your soulmate’s head (don’t forget about flowers!).
- To flirt - flirt
If you flirt with someone, You behave playfully and flirtatiously, trying to please and tease someone. You can flirt verbally: “What a cute bow-tie you are wearing today!”, and in writing: “luved how u were looking in class today xoxo.” Pay attention to this strange luv: Of course, from the point of view of grammar and common sense, this is wrong, but from the point of view of saving effort when typing a message, it is completely justified. Textlish (English for Texting) has long conquered the media space, so don't be offended if you receive a message like "BTW I luv u H2CUS MUSM xoxo (By the way, I love you, hope to see you soon, miss you so much xoxo)" . If this bothers you XOXO, don’t worry, this is a familiar symbol at the end of a message, meaning “hugs and kisses”. You can leave only “kisses” – XXX, “smacks.”
A flirt, by the way, they call someone who flirts desperately in any company. For many it is innate - a flirtatious nature, someone is just having fun. In any case, try not to give the wrong impression and don't go too far- don’t go too far, otherwise the person will really think that he sincerely likes you.
- To have a crush on someone - to fall in love without memory, to “fall in love”, to be inflamed with passion for someone, to lose your head
"It's nice" to have a crush on someone. It feels like you"re alive, you know?" (Scarlett Johansson)
It is not known exactly how this phrase appeared in modern English. Perhaps by analogy with the fact that your heart shrinks every time you see your crush- an object of adoration. American teenagers often tease each other by saying "you're crushing on him/her!"
- Heart-throb - handsome, heartthrob
What do Leonardo DiCaprio, David Beckham, Matt Bomer, Ian Sommerhalder, Gaspard Ulliel and Tom Hiddleston have in common? In addition to their impressive careers, each of them has millions of fans who regularly exclaim: “He is so hot!” All in all, a heart-throb- this is an unattainably attractive man who makes your heart skip a beat– which makes your heart skip a beat.
- Will you like to go out with me?/Would you like to go out with me? – Can I invite you...? Would you like to go...?
You actually really like someone, but you have no idea how to invite your crush on a date - to ask her out on a date? Don't panic, the invitation phrase itself is very simple, but mustering up the courage to say it can be very difficult.
- Serenade – serenade/sing a serenade
The word “serenade” itself comes from the Italian “sera” - evening and “serena” - the evening song of the troubadours. Modern romantic lovers, like six centuries ago, are ready to sing under the window all night, dreaming of winning the heart of a lady - to win her heart. If you can"t carry a tune, in other words, the bear has finally stepped on your ear, now you can use the services of professional serenaders.
- To be lovesick - to languish in love
Yes, we are talking about them, these damn butterflies in the stomach. Have you ever had butterflies in your stomach? Add to this sweaty palms, difficulty breathing and a complete vacuum in the head. For some, like Florentino Ariza, the state of “love fever” resembles a real fever. American trio Jonas Brothers sing about what they don't want catch this lovebug– to catch the love virus, and the English singer Katie Melua even dedicated the song “Plague of Love” to this painful condition:
- A table for two – table for two, for two persons
Are you planning a special romantic dinner with your partner? beloved one? We are sure that yes, and have already announced to all our friends: “I made a date with her for dinner!” Just remember to check when booking a table that we’d like a table for two, please. And even if you go to blind date– a blind date, the most romantic moment of the evening will be a candlelit dinner - a candlelit dinner.
- To admire - to admire, admire, admire
If you sincerely admire someone, you are his/her admirer. On Valentine's Day in the Victorian era, you could receive an anonymous valentine signed Your secret admirer- Your secret admirer.
- Be Mine – Be mine (beloved)/my (beloved)
In every third American Valentine's card you will find this categorical phrase. In English it is considered much less straightforward than its Russian literal translation, and is perceived as a cute way of saying I'm into you!- I like you!
- To fall in love - to fall in love
The statistics are inexorable: on average, every person on the planet falls in love about 7 times before deciding to get married and start a family. And one of these seven loves is a textbook love at first sight, love at first sight, and second - unrequited love, unrequited love. The latter often leads to mass poisonings love potion- love potion.
- Darling – dear/darling
Darling- this is not only a synonym of addresses full of tenderness love, babe or sweetheart. Moreover, darling can be called not only your better half– Your soulmate, but also a close friend or girlfriend, the relationship with whom does not carry any romantic overtones. Next time tell your best friend: “Aw, you’re such a darling. What could I do without you?” She will definitely be pleased.
- To get engaged - to get engaged, to become engaged
So, your boyfriend is finally proposed to you– made a marriage proposal, so now you are wearing an engagement ring- wedding ring. In Great Britain and America the ring is worn on ring finger– the ring finger of the left hand (See how logical everything is? Probably, so as not to get confused from the excitement at the wedding). In English there are two synonyms for the word "engagement" - engagement And betrothal. The word betrothal comes from the Old English treowthe - "vow, promise, oath." Today it sounds quite old-fashioned, although you can call your bride with emphasized tenderness and seriousness my betrothed. This is exactly what 12-year-old Joffrey Baratheon called Sansa Stark (Hail the fandom of A Song of Ice and Fire!).
- To pop the question, to propose, to get down on bended knee - make an offer
You won’t believe it, but all these phrases mean the same thing - to propose marriage. “Faint heart never won fair lady,” the British say. So take courage and take a knee.
- Fiancé/Fiancée – bride/groom
The superscript marks indicate the French origin of these words; apparently, they were left for greater romance. Appeals fiancé/fiancée are appropriate not only on the wedding day, but also in the period between the engagement and the ceremony.
