雅思阅读材料：情人节的由来

　　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许多种说法。一些专家认为情人节源于一个名叫圣·瓦伦丁的人。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，这也正好是全城举行爱情抽签的日子。

　　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".

　　相传圣·瓦伦丁曾留下一本日记给了狱卒的女儿，署名为“你的瓦伦丁”，据说这名狱卒的女儿是桑特·瓦伦丁的朋友。

　　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.

　　还有别的说法。有人认为在克劳迪亚斯君王统治时期，圣·瓦伦丁曾经是一名神父，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圣·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殊意义的日子。这天人们向自己心仪的人表示爱意。而圣·瓦伦丁也就成为了爱的守护神。在2月14日这天，人们会用诗或者类似鲜花的小礼物送给自己心爱的人，还会组织聚会或舞会来庆祝这个特殊的节日。

　　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 commercialized.

　　艾斯特·霍兰德小姐是美国位发送情人节卡片的人。早在19世纪初，情人节就已初露商业化的端倪，而如今这节日已经完全被商业化了。