Opposition to Valentine's day in Iran

In the 2010s, celebration of Valentine's Day became common in wealthy families in Iran and then spread among other levels of society.[1] Specialists in the country say that banning Valentine's Day would encourage the youth more towards it.[2] Although Valentine's Day is not accepted/approved by any institution or rule in the country and has no official status, it's highly accepted among a large part of the population.[3] One of the reasons for Valentine's Day breaking out into the general population in Iran is the change in relations between the sexes, which are no longer bound to marriage for two decades.[4]

Since 2009, producing posters, catalogues, gift boxes and postal cards with designs showing symbolic heart, half heart, red roses for Valentine's Day and any kind of activities introducing Valentine's Day are banned.[5] Law Enforcement Force fight with distributors of goods with symbols associated with Valentine's Day.[6]

Sepandarmazgan, Iranian day of love
Main article: Sepandārmazgān

Sepandarmazgan, an ancient Persian festival with Zoroastrian roots, is widely known as the Iranian Day of Love, which is celebrated on February 24. In fact, this day is dedicated to Spenta Armaiti , a divine entity in Zoroastrianism.[7] Some consider this day as an alternative for Valentine's day in Iran and say that Valenetine is a word that was not familiar 10 years ago. They believe that Valentine's day is replacing Iranian day of love.[8] Valentine's day is seen as a cultural violence by many. That's why they recommend to celebrate Sepandarmazgan in place of Valentine's day.[9]

See also

References
  1. "ولنتاین تهاجم یا تهدید فرهنگی". ISNA News Agency. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  2. "راه درست برخورد با ولنتاین" (in Persian). fararunews. 19 February 2017. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  3. "ولنتاین غیررسمی‌ترین جشنی که با خواب مسئولان رسمی شد" (in Persian). TABNAK professional news site. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  4. "ولنتاین تهاجم یا تهدید فرهنگی". ISNA News Agency. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  5. "چاپ تزئینات ولنتاین در ایران ممنوع شد" (in Persian). BBC news. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  6. "راه درست برخورد با ولنتاین" (in Persian). fararunews. 19 February 2017. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  7. "Alien festivities on Iranian calendar". Tehran Times. 3 December 2017. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
  8. "وقتی ولنتاین جای روز عشق ایرانی را می‌گیرد..." ISNA. 15 February 2018. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
  9. "ولنتاین یا سپندارمذگان؛ کدام را باید جشن گرفت؟" (in Persian). Mardomsalari. 13 February 2013. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
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