Culture

Valentine's Day on the Down-Low

by Jordan Yerman | February 14, 2009 at 08:13 am

557 views | 18 Recommendations | 8 comments

Valentine's Day stuff in Saudi Arabia is hidden like cigarettes in a Canadian cornershop: you know it's there, but you have to specifically ask to see it.

In Saudi Arabia, Valentine's Day is frowned upon by the Islamic government due to its roots in celebrating a Christian martyr (or martyrs), which, ironically, those in the West don't even think about on February 14th.

Toy stores have cuddly red teddy bears and candy merchants have heart-shaped red boxes of bon bons in stock, but all are hidden out of sight.

It is the annual battle between Saudi romantics and the feared Muttawa, the Islamic police, who each year try to convince the public that Valentine's Day on February 14 is a heathen holiday not suitable for the homeland of Islam.

According to media reports this week, the education ministry sent out circulars about the proscribed day in an effort to prevent the most vulnerable -- dreamy-eyed students -- from succumbing to Westernised thoughts of romance.

This doesn't just happen in the Middle East: Hindu activists in India were arrested for attacking people who dared celebrate Valentine's Day, and such celebration is not contraindicated by Indian law.

The protesters, who used scissors to cut the hair of young couples gathered in a city park, were detained in the northern city of Agra, V.P. Ashok, the superintendent of police, said on Saturday.

I also don't recognize Valentine's Day as a proper holiday, but that doesn't mean it should be illegal. Just remember that the singing gorilla you bought your sweetheart will likely end up in the trash.

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Rhonda J Mangus

at 09:56 on February 14th, 2009

Thanks for this, Jordan!

gempics

at 10:16 on February 14th, 2009

One of many heart-shaped pics taken today to celebrate this special Valentine's occasion! :) Hope everyone is having a lovely Valentine's day xx

gempics has contributed a photo to this story.

Schroppyo

at 10:55 on February 14th, 2009

Hey, thanks for that! :)

Schroppyo has contributed a photo to this story.

Jay Bees Pics

at 11:16 on February 14th, 2009

St Valentine's Day here in the UK is widely celebrated by young & old alike & is traditionally celebrated by the giving of a red rose or anything in the shape of a heart.

Jay Bees Pics has contributed a photo to this story.