[originaltext] Valentine’s Day is the time of the year when couples show the

Valentine’s Day is the time of the year when couples show their love for each other by sending cards, flowers and chocolates. But it is not only about public displays of affection: in recent years it has also become big business. In the UK alone, more than ~ 20 million is spent on flowers, while in the United States over $ I billion is spent on chocolates.
    (32)Although Valentine’s Day has become a global industry with more than 80 million roses sold worldwide, the origins of the day are unclear and hidden in the mists of time. Nobody knows exactly who St Valentine was, although some historians suggest he was a Roman killed by a Roman Emperor in the third century AD. It is said that the first recorded Valentine’s card was sent by the imprisoned Duke of Orleans in 1415. It is believed that he sought solace by writing love poems to his wife.
    Valentine’s Day, or its equivalent, is now celebrated in many countries around the world. However, the traditions often differ from place to place. (33)In Japan, for example, it is customary for the woman to send chocolates to the man, while (34)in Korea April 14th is known as "Black Day" and is when the unfortunate men who receive nothing on Valentine’s Day gather to eat noodles and commiserate with each other.
    Valentine’s cards can also be used for less than romantic purposes. (35)Police in the UK city of Liverpool sent Valentine’s cards to criminals who failed to appear in court or have not paid fines. The cards contained the verse, "Roses are red, violets are blue, you’ve got a warrant, and (35)we’d love to see you." Who says romance is dead?