There Is No Joy In Tehran-ville: Mighty Cupid Struck Out

Submitted by Mark Esposito, Guest Blogger

No more will that little babe with the angel wings shoot his arrows at love struck Iranian couples and promote the “sins” of compassion, passion, and love. The corruption that is red hearts and paper valentines has been officially banned by Iranian officials in homage to hoary Islamic law that proscribes unmarried couples from mingling.

The holiday — named for a Christian saint  — is not banned, merely frowned upon. Howevet the Iranian government finds no need to worry for Persian lovers of love. We have been assured that Iran is an ancient civilization and can create its own love fest. Or so says Ali Nikou Sokhan, head of the printers union, who was tasked with notifying the nation of the ban on valentines. “Honoring foreign celebrations is the spread of Western culture,” said Sokhan. “Our country has an ancient civilization and various days to honor kindness, love and affection.” 

Some have suggested replacing Valentine’s Day with the pre-Islamic feast of  friendship known as “Mehregan.” St. Mehregan’s Day just doesn’t have the same ring to it to this author.

Not all Iranians are happy with the ban. Valentines Day has become a popular distraction with young people in Iran and what’s a boy to do to woo the object of his affection without “posters, brochures, advertising cards, boxes with the symbols of hearts, half-hearts, red roses and any activities promoting this day.” Authorities warn those ignoring the ban will be subject to “legal action.”

I guess Dooley Wilson was wrong. The world will not always welcome lovers, as times goes by.

Source: Yahoo News

Submitted by Mark esposito, Guest Blogger