While much of the world is swooning over chocolates and red roses come February 14th, some countries have decidedly different feelings about Valentine’s Day. From outright bans to cultural indifference, here’s why Valentines get the cold shoulder in certain parts of the globe.
Indonesia: A Tale of Two Cities
While Jakarta might be awash in red hearts, the city of Banda Aceh takes a different stance. The local government has repeatedly banned Valentine’s Day celebrations, viewing them as contradicting local cultural and religious values. Instead, they encourage young people to focus on local traditions and cultural celebrations that honor love and relationships in their own unique way.
Pakistan: Love in the Crosshairs
Pakistan has had a complicated relationship with Valentine’s Day. In 2017, the country’s media regulatory authority banned Valentine’s Day promotions across all media platforms, declaring it against Islamic teachings. However, this hasn’t stopped enterprising vendors from selling red roses “just because” on February 14th – proving that love finds a way, even if it needs a rebrand.
Saudi Arabia: The Red Rose Underground
Until recently, Saudi Arabia strictly prohibited the sale of red roses and heart-shaped items in February. The “religious police” would patrol markets to ensure no Valentine’s Day items were being sold. However, this led to an interesting phenomenon: a black market for roses, with flower shops operating in secret and prices skyrocketing for red roses in February.
Iran: A Different Kind of February Celebration
Iran celebrates love differently. Instead of Valentine’s Day, they observe Sepandarmazgan, an ancient Zoroastrian tradition celebrating love and Earth. This festival, held on February 29th in the Iranian calendar, honors love, friendship, and mother earth – proving that you don’t need Hallmark to celebrate matters of the heart.
Malaysia: A Cultural Divide
While not banned outright, Valentine’s Day remains controversial in Malaysia. The country’s Islamic authorities have warned Muslims against celebrating it, leading to an interesting cultural divide where some celebrate while others abstain. Some local authorities even conduct raids on hotels on February 14th to prevent unmarried couples from celebrating.
The Financial Side of Love’s Persistence
Interestingly, even in countries with Valentine’s Day restrictions, love finds creative ways to flourish. While Western countries see their February 14th spending spikes, these nations experience their own economic booms during traditional festivals and celebrations. Couples find innovative ways to express their feelings – from celebrating on different dates to exchanging meaningful gifts that fly under the radar. It’s a powerful reminder that love adapts, persists, and always finds expression, regardless of constraints.
Here in Nigeria, we’re fortunate to celebrate love openly, and our options for showing affection are endless. Make your Valentine’s Day celebrations special by exploring MBN or AltMall’s thoughtfully curated collections. Whether you’re planning an elaborate surprise or a subtle gesture of affection, you’ll find everything you need to express your love in your own unique way.
