Valentine’s Day: 14 February By Nuzhat Shahzadi

I intended to write on it earlier––was going through a "writer's apathy" . . . the current geopolitical situations, especially influenced by the US administration triggered despondence, uncertainties . . .

Valentine's day is observed globally. I remember . . . in Nairobi (1997 . . . ) on 14 February at my hair salon a glass of Champagne and a red rose was offered to every customer. The cafes, pubs and eateries in the narrow streets of Thamel in Kathmandu were embroiled in romantic-razzmatazz from the evening of valentine's day (2000 …). In Bangladesh the day is observed since the 1990s with chocolates and flowers (due to social media, young people from poorer socio-economic backgrounds are exposed to the concept of Valentine's Day and celebrate). In Japan, women give chocolates to men on February 14. Men return the favor on March 14. In Miao, China, women cook rice dishes hiding stuff inside that give messages to suitors. People spend billions of dollars in the US on flowers, dining and chocolates. In the UK anonymous valentines and roses are given.

In many parts of the middle east, especially the younger generation is found exchanging gifts and celebrating the day (somewhat discreetly). In 2016, the Saudi government and prominent religious leaders issued a decree declaring that Valentine's Day was not in violation of Islam and as the "day celebrates a positive aspect" there is no religious reason to ban it. In the past it was considered "haram" or forbidden.

. . . On 14th February, as I stepped into the whole foods store in our neighborhood, I saw the rioting of flowers––bouquets, blossoming plants in colorful, artistic pots and packaging, a deluge of heart shaped chocolates, cakes and cookies, like every other year, on this day enticing the susceptible to the romance-seeped paraphernalia.

A special flower stall for Valentine's Day at the Whole Foods Store

On a cold Friday morning (with the threats of job cuts, political chaos, etc.) only a handful of shoppers were in the store. But the staff were busy boosting up the valentine-merchandise––positioning crate after crate of flowers that kept arriving in a Tsunami-mode.

I decided to find out more from store employees about their reactions. I targeted a youngish Hispanic man who looked married.

"Big day!" I began and we exchanged smiles––the green signal to proceed. "Are you going to buy flowers for your wife?"

"Oh, No!" He laughed. "She's sensible . . . says buying flowers is a waste of money. Bring fruits that we can eat."

"So, you will take fruits to her? Apples?" I probed, laughing with him.

"Yes, apples and bananas, I think. Saves money."

Then I told him about us––how we would celebrate. After becoming parents, my son and his wife get food-delivery from our favorite restaurant/s and we eat a joyful family meal.

We are now much domesticated . . . (Izara is my valentine since she joined preschool and got introduced to Valentine's Day. Raya is still in infancy but I am sure she will compete to be my valentine when the idea sinks in).