Soomaalidu waxay ku maahmaahdaa, Haddaad tagto meel laga il laayahay, ishaa layska ridaa and the equivalent translation of this proverb would the equally similar English proverb When in Rome, Do as the Romans Do –that’s precisely the philosophy many Somalis are adopting while they are adapting to changes in culture and environment.
Somalis are people of very unique a nature. Very Distinct people indeed. We somehow find it very easy to assimilate into any culture that we come across – we are easily absorbed by their customs – be they good or bad. Case in point, Valentine’s Day!
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have any special meaning for me, neither celebrated it nor do I intend to, but was brought to my attention by a female friend of mine, Farxiya (Pseudonym), who was asking me for gift ideas, after becoming tired of the regular perfumes and cards I guess! I was taken aback by her audacity. If I had asked her what Valentine’s Day was, she probably wouldn’t be able to tell.
Despite the murky history of the origin of Valentine’s Day, yet it is celebrated by millions, if not billions of people across the globe. What surprises me the most though, is the celebrations held across the Muslim lands, Specially UAE and its neighbouring countries. Has anyone seen the amount of red roses and gift packs that fill up the entire shopping malls?
Salaams bro
There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine’s Day. However a lot of experts state that it originated from “St. Valentine”, Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. Who died on the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Its was also stated that St.Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer’s daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it “From Your Valentine”. So where does the gifts, cards, and I love you, come into it all?
So yea i guess your right Shafi, people tend to celebrate not only Valentine’s Day, but also celebrations such as bomb fire night, and Easter without an understanding of what it is they’re celebrating. Sad but true!
But what shocks me more is people from the Muslim Community celebrating the day like your friend Farxiya. Now that just scares me.!!
“Oh well that’s society for you I guess.!!”
Zaynab, The celebration have reached Somalia too darling! About Twnety boys and girls have been arrested in Borama for celebrating Valentine’s day! ;)
Those Sheikhs in Borama are MAD! MAD!
One of my cousins went back for holiday and organized a house party in his family’s holiday home. The looneys gate-crashed the event and put all of them (boys and girls) behind bars for a night! (and ironically together)
I dont know who gave them the authority to tell people how to lead their lives. Damn sadists prolly have no life except chewing khat and meddling in other people’s affairs.
Allahuakbar that comment made me laugh..hehehe
Oh well doesn’t surprise me in the slightest though. It’s all a bit corny for me though hun.
You know the whole “Will you be my valentine.”
foC, Somali Soil is fertile and untamed, anyone considered religious (despite what they do to instigate and partake in Qabiil feuds) has Carte Blanche to do whatever they see appropriate!
I hear storie’s like the one you mentioned above most of time – specially during summer time when all the “Dhaqan celis” crew get together and make a lving hell for the residents!
Did you say Corny? ok Zaynab.
*Clears Throat* Zaynab, Will you be my Valentine? ;)
I love chocolate