| День Святого Валентина | Saint Valentine’s Day |
День, который в равной степени важен как для молодых влюбленных пар, так и для людей, которые уже много лет в браке, это Праздник Святого Валентина. Хотя традиция отмечать этот праздник зародилась в Англии 18-го века, сегодня его празднуют во всем мире. На самом деле, историки утверждают, что корни современного Дня святого Валентина ведут к Луперкалии — древнеримскому фестивалю плодородия. | One day that is equally important for the young couples who are in love and people who have been married for years is the Feast of Saint Valentine. Although the tradition to celebrate this holiday originated in the 18th century England, today it’s celebrated worldwide. In fact, the historians state that the roots of the modern Valentine’s Day are in Lupercalia — the ancient Roman festival of fertility. However, the history of the holiday is a bit obscure, so there aren’t any reconfirmed versions of its origin. Some say that in the third century the Roman emperor Claudius II forbade marriages as single men made better soldiers. Having ignored his interdict one of the priests whose name was Valentine continued marriages for young lovers secretly. For that reason he was put to death. To commemorate his kindness people started celebrating the day of all loving couples in the middle of February. The 14th of February is regarded as the anniversary of his death, which presumably occurred in 270 A. D. There is another legend about Valentine connected with his stay at prison. While he was in jail, convicted by the Roman emperor, he fell in love with the warder’s daughter. Every day he would write her love letters, which centuries later became a well-known tradition. According to another version, the first love letter, which is now called a Valentine, was written much later by the Duke of Orleans while he was imprisoned in the Tower. It’s hard to distinguish now which legend is the right one. That’s why no one can tell the true story about the origins of Saint Valentine’s Day. Nevertheless, in modern times it’s one of the most popular holidays in the world. Most countries celebrate it each year on the 14th of February. Apart from writing sweet Valentines to the loved ones, there are a number of other traditions observed on this day. For example, in Italy men buy lots of sweets for the women they like. In France the traditional presents on this day include jewelry. In Denmark it’s habitual to exchange pressed white flowers and funny anonymous letters. In the USA people exchange heart-shaped sweets. Perhaps, the most interesting tradition originated in Japan. People arrange a large festival with loud love confessions. People who tend to be the loudest and sincerest receive presents. To conclude I should mention that all countries have their own way of celebration. However, one thing remains unchanged. Everyone wants to speak about love on this day. People want to show their love through various objects, presents or acts. The most enthusiastic people decorate their rooms or workplaces with heart-shaped balloons and other symbolic items. It’s good to have at least one day a year when people can speak freely of their feelings and have a romantic date. |
The lion and the mouse перевод.
Джордж вашингтон текст на английском.
День Святого Валентина/ Saint Valentine’s Day