美国人在每次过生日时，不仅庆祝年龄又大了一岁，而且也庆祝又一年过去了。因此，蜡烛既是生命和死亡的象征，也是希望和恐惧的象征。当过生日的人对着蜡烛许愿时，他/她是在祈求神的庇护以便能够交好运。当过生日的人吹熄蜡烛时，他/她则是在希望自己能掌握即将降临到自己身上的任何事情。

With each birthday，Americans not only celebrate growth but also the passing of another year.Thus, candles are symbols of both life and death,as well as both hope and fear.When a person makes a wish over these symbols, he or she invokes powers for good fortune. And when that person snuffs out these symbols, he or she expresses the hope to have a degree of control over whatever lies in store for him or her.

symbol of:

…的象征

例句与用法:

1. The Cross is the symbol of Christianity.

十字架是基督教的象征。

2. The dove is the symbol of peace.

鸽子是和平的象征。

3. Cloth of a color between violet and red, formerly worn as a symbol of royalty or high office.

紫红色衣服颜色介于紫色与红色之间的衣服，曾表示穿着者是皇室或高官的象征

4. The lion is the symbol of courage.

狮子是勇武的象徵.