（双语文稿）为什么结婚时要”Tie the Knot”

And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English.
现在是美国之音慢速英语词汇掌故节目。
On this program, we explore words and expressions in the English language. We give you definitions, examples, notes on usage, and sometimes we even use them in a conversation.
在这个节目中，我们探索英语中的单词和表达。我们会给你定义、例子、用法注释，有时我们甚至会在对话中使用它们。
Valentine's Day is February 14. Because it is close to that day that celebrates lovers, we talk today about a romantic idiom: tie the knot.
情人节是2月14日。现在快到情人节，所以我们今天讨论一个浪漫的习语:tie the knot。
To tie the knot is an informal term for getting married. In some marriage ceremonies, a knot is actually tied around the couple's hands with a piece of cloth or ribbon. This is done as a symbol of unity.
To tie the knot是结婚的非正式用语。在一些结婚仪式中，实际上是用一块布或丝带在这对夫妇的手上打一个结，这是结合的象征。
This wedding tradition can be called a handfasting ceremony.
这种婚礼传统可以被称为婚约仪式。
Several websites claim that this is an ancient Celtic wedding tradition. The couple holds hands while someone else ties their hands together with material. This represents the two people being physically and spiritually tied to each other.
一些网站声称这是一种古老的凯尔特婚礼传统。夫妻手牵着手，其他人用东西把他们的手系在一起，这代表着两个人在身体上和精神上彼此联系在一起。
But let's go back to the word "knot."
但是让我们回到“knot”这个单词。
A knot is an interlacing of string, ribbon, rope, or similar material that forms a connection between two, or more, loose ends.
结是用线、丝带、绳子或类似的材料相互缠绕，把两个或多个松散的末端连接在一起。
The word "knot" can also describe a mass or lump of disordered material that is tangled. Some knots are hard to untangle. For example, if your hair has knots, the ends have become tangled together, and it cannot be straightened or combed. When talking about hair, having knots is not a good thing.
“knot”这个词也可以用来描述一团乱七八糟的东西缠在一起。有些结很难解开。例如，如果你的头发有结，发梢缠在一起，就不能拉直或梳理。说到头发，打结可不是件好事。
Knowing how to tie knots is important in many activities including sailing. For example, rope is used to secure sails. While sailing, you might want ropes to stay knotted at times, but you also need to be able to release knots quickly, at a moment's notice.
知道如何打结在许多活动中都很重要，包括航行。例如，绳子被用来固定帆。在航行时，你可能希望绳索有时保持打结状态，但你也需要能够在接到通知后迅速松开绳结。
With a marriage, you want to stay knotted together. You do not want the bond to be easily broken.
在婚姻中，你想要保持紧密的联系，你不希望这种联系容易被打破。
There are other ways to say to tie the knot. In a formal situation, you can say two people have been wed. A very informal expression is to get hitched.
“tie the knot”还有其他的说法。在正式场合，你可以说两个人已经”wed”。一个非常不正式的表达是“to get hitched”。
Now, let's hear two friends use the expression "to tie the knot."
现在，我们来听两位朋友使用“to tie the knot”这个表达。
A: Hey, I have a wonderful secret about our good friends Finn and Polly. They are tying the knot next month!
A:嘿，我有一个关于我们的好朋友芬恩和波莉的秘密。他们下个月就要结婚了!
B: What? Finn and Polly? Are you sure?
B:什么?芬恩和波莉?你确定吗?
A: Yes! Polly told me last week while we were bowling. She's on my bowling team.
A:是的!波莉上周跟我打保龄球时告诉我的。她是我们保龄球队的。
B: I cannot believe that.
B:我真不敢相信。
A: Well, believe it. But she made me promise not to say a word. So, don't tell anyone.
A:嗯，相信我。但她让我保证一个字也不说。所以，不要告诉任何人。
B: I am shocked.
B:我很震惊。
A: Why? Finn and Polly have been dating for years.
A:为什么?芬恩和波莉已经交往多年了。
B: I'm not shocked about that. Polly ... bowls?? I had no idea.
B:我一点也不吃惊。波莉……打保龄球? ?我不知道。
And that's all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories.
以上就是本期词汇掌故的全部内容。
Until next time ... I'm Anna Matteo.