情人節是怎么來的？

　　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.

　　關于情人節的起源有許多種說法。一些專家認為情人節源于一個名叫圣·瓦倫丁的人。他是羅馬人，因為拒絕放棄基督教而于公元前269年2月14日慘遭殺害，這一天也正好是全城舉行愛情抽簽的日子。

　　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".

　　相傳圣·瓦倫丁曾留下一本日記給了獄卒的女兒，署名為“你的瓦倫丁”，據說這名獄卒的女兒是桑特·瓦倫丁的朋友。

　　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.

　　還有別的說法。有人認為在克勞迪亞斯君王統治時期，圣·瓦倫丁曾經是一名神父，因為公然挑戰克勞迪亞斯君王的權威身陷囹圄。所以公元前496年羅馬教皇格萊西亞斯特意將2月14日作為一個特別的日子以紀念圣·瓦倫丁。

　　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日就成為了一個具有特殊意義的日子。這天人們向自己心儀的人表示愛意。而圣·瓦倫丁也就成為了愛的守護神。在2月14日這天，人們會用詩或者類似鮮花的小禮物送給自己心愛的人，還會組織聚會或舞會來慶祝這個特殊的節日。

　　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 commercialized.

　　艾斯特·霍蘭德小姐是美國第一位發送情人節卡片的人。早在19世紀初，情人節就已初露商業化的端倪，而如今這節日已經完全被商業化了。