英语听力精选进阶版 6097（在线收听）

Will you be sending a card to the one you love? 你会送卡给你意中人吗?

In many countries around the world, people in love are gearing up for Valentine's Day, a festival to celebrate romantic love.

In the UK, 14th February is usually celebrated by sending or giving Valentine's cards, and sometimes gifts. The day is celebrated by people already in a committed relationship, but also by people who want to tell someone they have feelings for them.

Traditionally, people may send an anonymous card or gift if they are holding a torch for someone who doesn't know it, to make a declaration of love. Though it's very flattering to receive an anonymous card, it could be frustrating if you have no idea who your secret admirer is, and you are looking for a relationship!

The word 'Valentine' was originally the name of a saint. Now, you can say that you're sending someone 'a Valentine', or sometimes, 'Valentine' can mean the person who is sending or receiving the card. Some people sign a card 'from your Valentine', and some ask the recipient to 'be my Valentine'.

As well as cards, many other tokens of love are exchanged on Valentine's Day. Flowers are one of the most common gifts to give, with red roses being seen as the most traditionally romantic flowers.

However, in these days of eco-awareness some people are rejecting hot-house flowers such as roses, for seasonal flowers native to Britain, for example snowdrops, which grow naturally in Britain in February. This is because of the high carbon footprint of imported or hot house flowers, and the chemicals used.

Other gifts which are common include jewellery and chocolates, but some people are even more extravagant, splashing out on a trip abroad or spa pampering day for their loved one. But some people would insist 'it's the thought that counts', and appreciate a handmade card and gift, such as home-made heart-shaped cookies more than an expensive one.

GLOSSARY 词汇表

gearing up for 为……做好准备

committed 作出承诺

anonymous 匿名的

holding a torch for 举着火把（示爱）

flattering 谄媚的, 讨人欢喜的

frustrating 沮丧的

secret admirer 神秘的爱慕者

recipient 收到卡的人, 接受者

tokens of love 对爱的表示

eco-awareness 环保意识 

hot-house flowers 温室培植的鲜花

seasonal 季节性的

native 当地的, 本土的

carbon footprint 碳足迹

imported 进口的

splashing out on 大肆挥霍

spa pampering day (一天的)水疗护理享受

it's the thought that counts 重在情意（不在礼重）