No Valentines For Iranians
January 19, 2011 No Comments
Iranian leaders have banned Valentine’s Day this year.
They want production of all Valentine’s gifts stopped and will not allow any promotion of this holiday that they see as part of the spread of Western culture.
“Printing and producing any products related to Valentine’s Day, including posters, brochures, advertising cards, boxes with the symbols of hearts, half-hearts, red roses and any activities promoting this day are banned,” read the instruction. “Authorities will take legal action against those who ignore the ban.”
They claim that they have their own holidays in which to celebrate “kindness, love and affection.”
In fact, Sepandārmazgān is their holiday to celebrate love and Earth and is generally celebrated on the 18th of February. This has been celebrated since 20th century BCE and was a holiday where the “Earth was worshiped and women venerated.”
I understand where they are coming from, but instead of banning Valentine’s Day, why not instead promote their own traditions at this time? Love hearts and roses could be used on cards for either holiday, and rather than being so negative about Valentine’s Day it would be much better to focus on the holiday as a time of romance, happiness, and love – and I don’t see how that could be a bad thing.
Contact the author here: mack@morningquickie.com
