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Valentine’s Day, observed every February 14, began as a Christian feast honouring Saint Valentine.
Over time, it evolved into a global celebration of romance, gifts and grand gestures.
Historical records, such as the eighth-century Gelasian Sacramentary, mention the Feast of Saint Valentine. By the 14th and 15th centuries, the day became closely linked with romantic love as ideas of courtly affection gained popularity.
Although February 14 is not a public holiday in most places, it holds strong cultural and religious meaning in many Christian communities.
However, not every country embraces the celebration. In some nations, religious beliefs and cultural values have limited or even banned Valentine’s activities.
Here are nine countries where Valentine’s Day faces restrictions or is not formally recognised.
Russia does not formally observe February 14 in the same way as Western countries.
Instead, March 8 is marked as International Women’s Day. On that day, men commonly give flowers and chocolates, and women are celebrated and appreciated.
Rather than focusing on Saint Valentine, the occasion centres on honouring women and recognising gender equality.
While Valentine’s Day remains popular in many parts of the world, these examples show how culture, religion and history continue to shape how different societies respond to global traditions.
Iranian authorities have repeatedly criticised Valentine’s Day, describing it as a Western cultural import. Businesses have faced warnings against selling Valentine’s gifts.
Still, reports indicate that restaurants in Tehran often fill up on February 14, and some shops discreetly sell teddy bears and chocolates. According to Wedded Wonderland, some establishments reportedly take precautions to avoid inspections during the period.
Indonesia is officially a secular state, meaning the government does not promote or oppose religion, according to BBC reports.
However, in Aceh, the only province governed by Islamic law, Valentine’s celebrations and the sale of related gifts are banned. Religious leaders have criticised the day, arguing that it promotes behaviour that goes against Islamic values.
Despite this, the celebration remains visible in major cities like Jakarta, where businesses continue to promote Valentine-themed offers.
In Malaysia, religious authorities have ruled that Valentine’s Day conflicts with Islamic teachings. Muslims make up about 61 per cent of the population.
Since 2005, a fatwa has discouraged Muslims from marking the day. In 2011, religious enforcement officers reportedly detained 80 Muslim couples during anti-Valentine operations in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, according to Wedded Wonderland.
Valentine’s Day has sparked tension in parts of Pakistan over the years. In 2014, clashes reportedly broke out between university students in Peshawar over differing views on the celebration, resulting in injuries.
On February 7, 2018, the Islamabad High Court banned public celebrations of Valentine’s Day, describing it as a Western tradition that contradicts Islamic teachings.
India gained independence from British rule in 1947, and certain political and cultural groups have opposed what they view as Western influence.
In 2015, Chandra Prakash Kaushik told The Times of India, “We are not against love, but if a couple is in love then they must get married … if they are not certain, they should not belittle love by openly going around together.”
While Valentine’s Day is widely observed in urban areas, it continues to attract criticism from conservative groups.
In Qatar, Valentine’s Day is not openly celebrated in the way it is in many Western countries. Public displays linked to the holiday are generally uncommon, largely because of cultural traditions and religious values that shape social life. While individuals may choose to mark the day privately, large-scale promotions, public themed events or visible commercial campaigns are typically limited.
In Somalia, Valentine’s Day is also not widely observed. The country’s cultural norms and strong religious beliefs influence how relationships and public celebrations are approached. As a result, February 14 does not hold the same social or commercial significance seen in many other parts of the world, and the day often passes without notable public attention.
Public celebration of Valentine’s Day is heavily restricted in Saudi Arabia. In the past, authorities have discouraged the sale of red roses and Valentine-themed items on February 14.
A Wedded Wonderland report stated that in 2014, five Saudi citizens were sentenced to prison terms and lashes after being found dancing with women they were not married to on Valentine’s Day.
Although love-themed gifts may be sold at other times, they are reportedly restricted during the Valentine period. (Guardian)
