Iranian government bans printing Valentine's day postcards and posters
Iranian news sources: The Iranian Printers and Publishers Union, has forwarded a government Directive to all its members "Not to print any informational or commercial postcards, posters, boxes, packages, etc. with images such as red rose, hearts, half-hearts, etc. in celebration of Valentine's day."
In recent years, an increasing number of Iranians in urban areas celebrate Valentine's day, Halloween, and other Western holidays despite efforts by Ahmadinejad's government. The majority of holidays on Iran's current official calender are based on religious or mournful occasions.
Among reasons outlined by Iranian religious activists for banning Valentine's day is the commercial and materialistic nature of this holiday, which results in the moral corruption of the youth by the West. Two years ago, Russia also announced that it will ban Valentine’s Day in a bid to protect the country’s youth from moral corruption by the West.
