Valentine’s Day canceled in Uzbekistan

Valentine’s Day canceled in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is having trouble feeling the love tonight.

Authorities in the country have virtually canceled Valentine’s Day by nixing planned concerts and other events, according to the Associated Press, citing Russian news agency RIA-Novosti.

Instead, Uzbeki lovers will have to content themselves with a reading of poems by medieval emperor Babur, who wrote about monuments, flora and fauna and battle strategy.

Uzbekistan’s unofficial ban on romantic celebrations isn’t new. Other Muslim countries feel equally as frigid toward the amorous holiday, which is a nominally Christian one.

Saudi Arabia and Iran have both banned celebration of the day, Voice of America reports. Iranian officials last year said they would take action against citizens who ignored the ban. Saudi Arabia prohibits the gifting of red on V-day — including chocolates, bears, or roses.

In India, right-wing group Sri Rama Sena warned in 2010 that it would take action against educational institutions, restaurants and theaters if they encouraged Valentine's day celebrations. Some adherents of the group even burned Valentine’s Day cards.

“If a couple in love are really interested, the Sena will contact their parents and arrange to get them married,” said Pramod Muthalik, head of the Sena’s parent organization, India News reports.

Malaysia joined in the spoil-sporting last year when it announced it would crack down on “immoral acts” during the holiday as part of a wider campaign for its citizens’ lifestyles to be “sin-free.”

The head of the Malaysian Islamic Development Department told state media: “In reality, as well as historically, the celebration of Valentine's Day is synonymous with vice activities.”

to nix – запрещать, spoil-sport - тот, кто портит удовольствие другим, crack down – принимать меры, vice - порок

Дата добавления: 2015-11-05