Saudi Arabia bans Valentine's Day roses

[Amby 490]

Religious police in Saudi Arabia are banning the sale of Valentine's Day gifts including red roses.

The Saudi Gazette quoted shop workers as saying officials had warned them to remove all red items including flowers and wrapping paper.

Black market prices for roses were already rising, the paper said.

Saudi authorities consider Valentine's Day, along with a host of other annual celebrations, as un-Islamic.

In addition to the prohibition on celebrating non-Islamic festivals, the authorities consider Valentine's Day as encouraging relations between men and women outside wedlock.

"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=

[doodlebugg 10]

[William33 110]

Is that a "reliable" news source?

[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?

Edited February 13, 2008 by Amber&Neil

[Mary Lou 682]

I heard this on the radio today as well.

[Amby 490]

I heard this on the radio today as well.

thank you

[doodlebugg 10]

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*

[Amby 490]

it's not bashing at all it's just a news article

[Alex+R 0]

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?

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Amber, Valentine's Day is always protested (usually with some violence) by Hindu extremists in India, too. Just to prove you're an equal opportunity "basher" (lol) you may wanna dig that up and post too

[Scott & Lai 12]

Religious police in Saudi Arabia are banning the sale of Valentine's Day gifts including red roses.

The Saudi Gazette quoted shop workers as saying officials had warned them to remove all red items including flowers and wrapping paper.

Black market prices for roses were already rising, the paper said.

Saudi authorities consider Valentine's Day, along with a host of other annual celebrations, as un-Islamic.

In addition to the prohibition on celebrating non-Islamic festivals, the authorities consider Valentine's Day as encouraging relations between men and women outside wedlock.

"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=

Is a man allowed to buy red roses for his wife? Or do they not want them mixing, either?

[Amby 490]

that's a good question. anyone know the answer?

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

I'm glad I don't live in SA.

[frustrated1 0]

woooooohhhh, what would would we do without valentine's day...we wouldn't know how to love or to show it.

another useless festival

[Nagishkaw 510]

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.