バレンタインデーが近づき、デパートやスーパーにもハートのディスプレイと一緒にチョコレートやクッキーなどが並びはじめました。今日は、バレンタインについて、トレバーに英語で書いてもらいました。ちょっと難しいかもしれませんが、ゆっくり読めば理解できるはず。頑張って読んでみてくださいね。
最後には、バレンタインのロマンティックなポエム（詩）を書くヒントも。日本では女性から男性へチョコを贈るのが一般的ですが、女性だけではなく男性も、愛する人に素敵なポエムをおくってはどうですか？
Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day is a day remembering Saint Valentine that is celebrated on February 14. On this day, lovers traditionally express their love by sending Valentine's cards, donating to charity, or giving candy. It is also common to present flowers on Valentine's Day. The romantic meaning of valentine began in England in the middle ages.
In France, Valentine's Day is known as "Saint Valentin", and is celebrated the same way as other western countries.
In Brazil, the “Dia dos Namorados” (or "Boyfriend's/Girlfriend's Day") is celebrated on June 12. Couples exchange gifts, chocolates, cards and flower bouquets.
Valentine's Day in Japan and Korea is a day where mostly women give candy, chocolate or flowers. Many women have to give chocolates to all of their male co-workers, which they call “giri-choko” (義理チョコ). “giri” means “obligation", so men can eat “obligation chocolates”! Yummy…
Most people think about love notes on Valentine’s Day. Maybe it is for your partner, or maybe it is for your friend. Or maybe you want to show your love for the first time! A common poem on Valentine’s Day cards is like this:
“Roses are red
Violets are
blue
Sugar is sweet
And so are
you”
If you can match lines two and four, then you can also make a poem. How about:
(“blue”と “you”は、単語の最後の響きが同じですよね。こんな風に最後の音を、２行、あるいは４行全部合わせられればいいということですね）
“Roses are red
Grass is
green
You’re the prettiest lady
I’ve ever
seen”
Or maybe (see the picture):
“Roses are red
Violets are
dead
I think you have
A funny-shaped
head”
Not very romantic… but any card to someone you like is a good card!
Happy Valentine’s Day!