来自拉丁语Valentinus,意大利守护圣人，字面意思为力量，能力，词源同valiant,据说是因为其纪念日期间，恰好是鸟儿互相选择伴侣的时候，因而引申词义情人节。
For this was on seynt Volantynys dayProbably the date was the informal first day of spring in whatever French region invented the custom (many surviving medieval calendars reckon the start of spring on the 7th or 22nd of February). No evidence connects it with the Roman Lupercalia (an 18c. theory) or to any romantic or avian quality in either of the saints. The custom of sending special cards or letters on this date flourished in England c. 1840-1870, declined around the turn of the 20th century, and revived 1920s.
Whan euery bryd cometh there to chese his make.
[Chaucer, "Parlement of Foules," c. 1381]
To speak of the particular Customs of the English Britons, I shall begin with Valentine's Day, Feb. 14. when young Men and Maidens get their several Names writ down upon Scrolls of Paper rolled up, and lay 'em asunder, the Men drawing the Maidens Names, and these the Mens; upon which, the Men salute their chosen Valentines and present them with Gloves, &c. This Custom (which sometimes introduces a Match) is grounded upon the Instinct of Animals, which about this Time of the Year, feeling a new Heat by the approach of the Sun, begin to couple. ["The Present State of Great Britain and Ireland" London, 1723]
来自柯林斯例句
来自《权威词典》
来自地道口语脱口SHOW 高中超越版
来自《简明英汉词典》
来自常春藤生活英语杂志-2006年2月号
