On Valentine’s Day, Jordanians differ on whether to celebrate


14-02-2012 12:00 AM

Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - This Valentine's Day, the debate continues among Jordanians about whether it is appropriate to celebrate the occasion.

Observed each year on February 14, Valentine’s Day originated as a feast to honour one of several Christian martyrs, St. Valentine. Over time, the holiday came to be associated with romantic love, and is now observed around the world as a special occasion for lovers, who mark it by sharing romantic gifts like roses and chocolates.

In some Muslim countries, however, the holiday has been criticised by religious conservatives who charge that it promotes immoral behaviour and is against Islamic values.

In Jordan, one can find a range of views from both those who celebrate the holiday and those who oppose it.

Saif Awamleh said he does not celebrate Valentine’s Day because it is not Islamic.

"As Muslims, we only have two holidays to celebrate: Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha," the 30-year-old emphasised. “These other occasions are Western ones and unfortunately, we imitate them.”

Awamleh added that he and many other Jordanians do not see the point in burdening themselves with the expenses of Valentine’s Day gifts, especially in today’s rough economy.

"Why should I pay JD7 for one rose while I have to meet other costs of living?"

Others had no religious objections to celebrating the occasion, but said they declined to celebrate it for other reasons.

Hanna Ibrahim, an insurance company employee, said he does not celebrate Valentine's Day because love should not be celebrated only once a year.

"I celebrate love every day. In any moment you can express your feelings towards your lover," he told The Jordan Times yesterday.

A woman, who declined to be named, agreed, adding that there are more important things than celebrating a day of love.

"Some women await this event passionately because they like celebrating the holiday, but if you want to celebrate love, you should celebrate every day, not just one day," she stressed.

Rabie Zuriegat said Valentine’s Day is an occasion for teenagers.

"When they first fall in love, feelings control them and they wait for the day to remind them of love," he told The Jordan Times over the phone.

Other Jordanians disagreed, however, saying Valentine's Day is "significant" for couples, especially, and an opportunity for people to remind partners, friends and family of their love.

"Not only couples celebrate Valentine’s Day, but friends also celebrate it and children celebrate it with their families. Valentine's Day reflects love in all its aspects," Nour Habib told The Jordan Times, adding that flowers are the most important gift on this day because they symbolise love.

Wael Nemeh, who likes to celebrate the occasion by taking his wife out to a restaurant and buying her a gift, said Valentine’s Day is an opportunity for couples to share some romance.

"Women like having a romantic atmosphere, such as going to a café or restaurant to celebrate love," he said.



* Jordan Times / By Muath Freij




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