Valentine's Day; A Need That Is Not Addressed in Customary Forms

The Iranian police's Public Places Administration states that businesses must prevent gatherings of girls and boys on Valentine's Day. The Islamic Republic's police have issued a statement published on the official website of the Tehran Fruit Juice, Ice Cream, and Coffee Shop Union, stating that symbols such as dolls, flowers, and chocolates should not be exchanged as gifts between girls and boys in commercial establishments. The statement reminds that businesses are also not allowed to advertise or sell items related to Valentine's Day. The aim of this prohibition is declared to be a response to what is termed the promotion of a degenerate Western culture. Valentine's Day, known as the Day of Lovers, is celebrated annually on the 25th of Bahman and has attracted more attention from certain groups of Iranians over the past decade. Mahdis Kamkar, a psychologist in Tehran, tells Mohammad Zargami that Valentine's Day is a cultural phenomenon that can either find its place in society or be rejected. According to this psychologist, such measures do not solve the issue. She adds, 'Perhaps the resistance shown by governments increases societal sensitivity towards it and turns it into a national resistance.' Ms. Kamkar attributes the reasons for the restrictions on Valentine's Day celebrations in Iran to a combination of 'cultural,' 'political,' and 'economic' issues. Regarding the suggestion of alternative days by the government and the celebration of Sepandarmazgan by some community members, she states, 'Valentine's Day is a need that exists and is not addressed in customary forms.' A young girl in Tehran also tells Radio Farda that due to the restrictions imposed by the police, the buying and selling of Valentine's items have moved to social networks like Telegram and Instagram. She adds that the fear of holding this event is more evident among business owners related to this day, while it is not observed among the general public.