Saudi Arabia bans Valentine's Day roses

[Ban Hammer 14,674]

I don't doubt the validity of the story...after all Valentines Day is meant to celebrate St. Valentine and Saudi Arabia is an Islamic state. I just don't see the need for the multiple bashings of all things islamic which seems to be the trend here lately.

*shrug*

?

Just because someone reports something we might perceive as negative about a place doesn't mean it's "bashing." Where is your critical thinking skills hat?

agreed. and just because someone posts an article that does not mean they agree with it either.

[simple_male 1]

I'd say so just because they have "odd" news stories doesn't mean they're untrue. btw they have the "normal" news stories that are about things happening all over the world. why do you think it's unreliable?

This is a true story. The news is odd to many, but it is not odd to them. It is fact that they don't allow free mixing among men and women. I am sure, a Saudi man can give flowers to his wife as a gift. I hope, someone from SA can confirm it.

[simple_male 1]

I don't doubt the validity of the story...after all Valentines Day is meant to celebrate St. Valentine and Saudi Arabia is an Islamic state. I just don't see the need for the multiple bashings of all things islamic which seems to be the trend here lately.

*shrug*

I am 100% sure that sister Amber does not have any intention of bashing. I agree with you on this point that there are multiple bashings of Islam and Arabs lately by some VJ members.

[SteveLaura 0]

"Sometimes we deliver the bouquets in the middle of the night or early morning, to avoid suspicion," one florist was quoted as saying.

Others were planning to travel to the more religiously liberal neighbouring countries, Bahrain or the United Arab Emirates, to celebrate.

Saudi Arabian authorities impose a strict Islamic code that prevents men and women from mixing.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2724908.html?menu=

Does the fact that the practice still occurs regardless, and that couples are leaving to celebrate in neighbouring countries, equate to the populace being more moderate than the authorities? Are the 'authorities' of an older generation per se? Will some of the more extreme laws die off with them? Just wondering.

[Amby 490]

I'd say so just because they have "odd" news stories doesn't mean they're untrue. btw they have the "normal" news stories that are about things happening all over the world. why do you think it's unreliable?

What is odd and what is normal and to whom? It is their country, let them run it the way they see fit. Personally, I don't give a dang. If they like it, I love it.

nags I just said the odd thing because the site has a section called quirkies where they have silly stories like the one about high heels increasing sex drive and the saddam statue that looks like a pile of trash

[Zee Bee 61]

Men can buy flowers for their wives, its just that they do not want it happening in the name of Valentine's Day.

Just like them putting lights and decorations on trees and such for Eid but they take them away at Christmas time.

[Amby 490]

oh ok thanks for the info zeenusah! was curious about that

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

Saudi Arabia is an Absolute monarchy and not a democracy. It also claims that the Qur'an is the constitution of the country, which is governed on the basis of the Sharia (Islamic Law). According to the The Economist's Democracy Index, the Saudi government is the ninth most authoritarian regime in the world. The king's powers are theoretically limited within the bounds of Shari'a and other Saudi traditions. It's no surprise that they would put a ban on red roses because Valentines Day is capitalistic and un-Islamic. Saudi Arabian culture mainly revolves around the religion of Islam. Islam's two holiest sites, Mecca and Medina, are located in the country. So you see they are like the center/source/heart. Muslims are supposed to do a pilgrimage to Mecca once in their life if they have the means. The public practice of any religion other than Islam, including Christianity and Judaism, the presence of churches, and possession of non-Islamic religious materials is not allowed except in Aramco compounds in which many expatriates attend church services.

supporting link

[Converse34 1]

I am sure, a Saudi man can give flowers to his wife as a gift. I hope, someone from SA can confirm it.

"Religious police in Saudi Arabia are banning the sale of Valentine's Day gifts including red roses, a local newspaper has reported."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7239005.stm

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

I am sure, a Saudi man can give flowers to his wife as a gift. I hope, someone from SA can confirm it.

"Religious police in Saudi Arabia are banning the sale of Valentine's Day gifts including red roses, a local newspaper has reported."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7239005.stm

So they can't be labelled as Valentine's day gifts... no big deal

[♥Sora_9_Dam3a♥ 0]

It's not surprising that they would ban it...if that's how far they have to go to stop people from celebrating it...it is an Islamic country and Valentine's Day is not an Islamic holiday...

I think it's ridiculous that people are traveling out of the country to "celebrate their love" for ONE day!!! whatever...

[♥Sora_9_Dam3a♥ 0]

oh..and, i'm sure a saudi man can give his wife flowers--red roses, even....but the gov only bans the sale of red roses on valentine's day to prevent ppl from buying them FOR Valentine's day...