Iran bans Valentine’s Day

The Islamic Republic of Iran has instructed stores not to sell cards, gifts, teddy bears or other such symbols associated with Valentine’s Day (February 14). The semiofficial ILNA news agency notes that Valentine’s Day is frowned upon because it’s named after a Christian martyr, St. Valentine. Iran’s government, which is widely believed to have stolen last summer’s election, has been cracking down on what it perceives as the growing evil of Western culture. Some Muslim countries, like Saudi Arabia, also frown upon Valentine’s Day for similar reasons, but residents of Dubai celebrate the holiday widely, says the Washington Post.

Washington Post