Valentine’s Day in Pakistani Culture

Valentine’s Day is a holiday celebrated around the world on February 14th. It celebrates love, romance, and friendship through events such as festivals or simple gatherings with loved ones. Valentine’s Day has its origins in Roman and Christian traditions, honoring the Christian martyr Valentine through feasts.

But, how exactly is Valentine’s Day celebrated around the world? Brazilians celebrate the equivalent of Valentine’s Day on June 12, the feast day of St. Anthony of Padua, the patron saint of marriage. In China, the day is celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar. In Ireland, it’s tradition for individuals who seek true love to make a Christian Pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Valentine in Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church in Dublin.

Pakistan, in particular, has complex circumstances in the way the country celebrates Valentine’s Day. For political and religious reasons, there have been many efforts to ban the holiday. However, celebration still persists, especially among the youth.  Large collections of floral arrangements are extremely popular among the youth in Pakistan. Florists around February always expect to make considerable sales, particularly red roses. Poetry is also a popular way of celebrating. Such poetry includes the folk stories of Heer Ranjha, Sassi Pannu, and Sonhi Manhiwal. Many Pakistanis exchange balloons, chocolates, and elaborate gifts. Many businesses in Pakistan experience a large increase in sales; this includes bakery products, clothing stores, and florists having a 400% increase in sales.