西方节日英文版.doc

Valentine's Day(情人节)(February 14)
   St. Valentine's Day is an informal observance (非正式的庆祝) of a lover's holiday. Today, the observance has no connection with the many legendary (传说的) St. Valentines, and holds no religious significance. The day is observed with exchanges of love notes and cards, and other tokens(标志) of affection(感情), called valentines. The symbols of the heart and Cupid(丘比特) mon in cards, decorations of store windows,candies and other paraphernalia(随身物品). Traditional valentines were frilly(装饰的) sweet, and tender(温情的) affairs made of red and white paper and lace(花边) with cutouts(剪下的图样) and cupids. The custom of sending cards, giving candy, and other such tokens has caught a great deal mercial enthusiasm(积极性). Many stores, for instance, decorate(装饰) seasonally, or a according to calendar holidays(日历). Valentine's Day is the first excuse for splashy(显眼的) valentine theme(主题) dominates stationery(文具) stores, candy stores, confectioneries(甜食制造业), and quite often drug stores where cards and candy are sold.
Easter(复活节)
   (The first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox(春分))
   Easter is important for several reasons. Primarily(主要) it is a time for families to get together much like Christmas or Thanksgiving. They usually have a large meal and serve traditional(传统的) dishes such as baked ham(火腿). In addition, there is mercial aspect(商业特征) of Easter. It is a time when manufacturers(制造商) of candy and chocolate can sell their products. They make chocolates in the shape of eggs and rabbits since those things are associated with(与……联系) spring and Easter. Finally, Easter is a religious holiday. Many Americans go to church on that day if they are Christians to celebrate the resurrection(耶酥复活) of Christ. Symbols(象征) which we see at Easter are chicks, flowers, eggs, baskets for children to dye Easter eggs and then to hide them. Other children look for the eggs and collect them in baskets. People often get new clothes for spring for arou