JEDDAH: Saudis took to Twitter to alternatively mock and express support for the celebration of Valentine’s Day.
Some users posted messages about regulations banning red roses and the sale of other items linked to the celebration. There were 21,000 tweets posted, which included links, videos and pictures, according to a report in a local publication recently.
There were also messages posted about the lecture delivered by Sheikh Mohammed Al-Rubeihan in which he exhorted people, especially youngsters, to rather make efforts to express their love for the Prophet, peace be upon him, parents and religious scholars.
A citizen said that the day is an occasion for youngsters to flirt, even make advances toward girls who reject them.
The Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (Haia) banned the sale of items linked to the celebration but this did not stop some businesspeople making money from such sales, often at double the price.
Many sellers asked those who wanted these items to write down their addresses and telephone numbers, so that they could make home deliveries.
Flowers were selling for up to SR10 each, and bears between SR100 and SR500.
One manager of a gift store said that he sold specially ordered items for up to SR10,000. He had encouraged his clients to book early so that they could get special service.
Saudis mock Valentine concept on social media
