JEDDAH, 15 February 2006 — Gifts and flower shops were crowded yesterday as people searched for gifts on the Valentine’s Day. Although the day is not officially recognized in the Kingdom, many teenage girls appeared in gift shops in Jeddah’s Tahlia Street. Gift shops had not stocked up especially for the day. However, the custom-wrapping service operated by many was heavily in demand.
“We don’t have special lines or packages for Valentine’s gifts,” said an employee in one of the well-known gift shops. “We only have red boxes, wrapping and teddy bears holding red hearts.” The shop was thronged with mainly teenage girls competing to buy the most expensive wrapping.
The most romantic and traditional gift for this occasion are red roses. Flower shops had a good day with more customers that the usual. Many were busy from the early hours of the morning yesterday designing and making red bouquets in anticipation of a rush.
A well-known garden and gift center in Tahlia Street was crowded with buyers. An employee confirmed that the crush was simply due to the special day. Red flowers seemed to be the preferred choice of expatriates and the older generation. Saudi teenagers tend to buy teddy bears and red gifts.
Schoolgirls often wear red socks and hair ribbons to school. “We buy red wrapped gifts to exchange with school friends,” said Zeina Ayyoub, an 11th grader. “We only do that for fun, not out of a any recognition of the history of the day.”
Some say the idea to have a day to celebrate love and exchange presents is unnecessary. “I find the idea of having a special day to celebrate love is ridiculous since we should love every day of our lives,” said Haifa Salim, 28. “I would rather celebrate our anniversary with my husband if I want to specify a special day for love.”
Valentine’s Day is an event incompatible with the religion and culture of the Kingdom. “Why would we celebrate a day that if it is originally celebrated after a saint that was called Valentine?” said Naji Omar, 42.
