Iran shops banned from selling Valentine gifts

4 January 2011 06:04 am - 0 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

“Printing and producing any goods related to this day including posters, boxes and cards emblazoned with hearts
or half-hearts, red roses and any activities promoting this day are banned,”
the union said in the directive.
TEHRAN, Jan 2, 2011 (AFP) - Shops in Iran have been banned from selling Valentine cards and gifts as the
traditional lovers’ day gains increasing popularity in the Islamic republic,
the ILNA news agency reported on Sunday.

“In the run-up to Valentine’s Day on February 14 the printing works owners’ union issued a directive
banning the printing and distribution of any goods promoting this day,” ILNA news agency reported.
“Printing and producing any goods related to this day including posters, boxes and cards emblazoned
with hearts or half-hearts, red roses and any activities promoting this day are banned,” the union said in the directive.
“Outlets that violate this will be legally dealt with,” it warned.
Over the past three decades Iran’s conservative Islamic regime has sought to prevent the spread of Western culture
among its overwhelmingly young population.
But Valentine’s Day has become very popular in Iran over the past decade,
with young men and women exchanging chocolate, flowers, perfume,
teddy bears and other gifts on February 14.
Every year gift shops in large cities are festooned with
Valentine’s Day paraphernalia and restaurants in Tehran are packed
with young men and women out on a date.

However, the trend has been harshly criticised by conservatives
who see no room in Islamic culture for such celebrations.
Some nationalist Iranians have also suggested replacing
Valentine’s Day with Mehregan -- a pre-Islamic but obsolete festival in early October
-- marking the autumn equinox and honouring the ancient Persian angel of love, Mithra.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 0

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Iran shops banned from selling Valentine gifts

Comments - 0

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma dies from electrocution

Racing event tragedy leaves seven dead including eight-year-old child

Train fails to halt, crashes onto Colombo Fort platform

New Visa procedure implemented

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

Two racing drivers arrested over Fox Hill tragedy

MIRROR CRICKET

TODAY'S HEADLINES