Love in the air for Iranians defying Valentine Day ban

TEHRAN - Reuters

Customers look for Feb 14 Valentine’s Day gifts in Iran, where authorities banned the sale of Valentine cards and other heart-shaped products last year. REUTERS photo

Young Iranians abandoned thoughts of sanctions, nuclear power and economic hardship on Feb. 14 in favor of shopping for gifts and making dinner plans to celebrate love on Valentine’s Day.

Despite rising tensions with the West over its nuclear ambitions, many Tehran restaurants were fully booked and young Iranians could be seen out browsing gift shops in the capital to buy presents for loved ones in defiance of a ban on Valentine’s Day items aimed at preventing the spread of “Western culture.”

Iranian authorities banned the sale of Valentine cards and other heart-shaped products last year and police have warned that action will be taken against those who violate the ban.

“This year they told us not to sell any red roses otherwise we can face the closure of our flower shop,” said a 40-year-old female florist in north Tehran.

Tension has been mounting between Iran and the West over the Islamic state’s nuclear program, which Washington and its allies say is a cover to build bombs. Iran denies this, saying it needs nuclear technology to generate electricity.

Foreign sanctions imposed on Iran over its refusal to halt the country’s sensitive nuclear work, has had a negative impact on the country’s economy.

Despite the hardship from sanctions and the state ban, many gift shops in Tehran are decorated with red ribbons, lights and candles to attract young customers, who mainly buy three red roses - one for each word in the English phrase “I love you.”

Heart-shaped red balloons and soft toys are also a favorite, while rich Iranians opt for perfume and jewellery.

Many restaurants in affluent northern Tehran, which want to attract more customers, have arranged dinners catered for lovers, and are offering a change of menu, live music and even fireworks, according to a waitress in an Asian restaurant.

Hardliners see Valentine’s Day as part of a deliberate “soft war” waged by the West to corrupt Iran’s youth. But young Iranians with access to the internet are familiar with Western culture.

Some nationalists have suggested replacing Valentine’s Day with “Mehregan,” an Iranian festival celebrated since the pre-Islamic era.