There are a lot of strange things happening around the world; the reasons to which are hard to comprehend. There is something called an underwater waterfall, blue lava, and red crab migration. But hey, who said that nature was the only crazy part of the world when there is also us, “the humans”, who can think strange to the levels undefined! This list of unusual bans around the world, prove to some extent that apparently not all who frame laws are smart.
But regardless of how weird these bans may seem, they all have the potential to keep you feeling astonished and shout out, “Really?!
1. It is prohibited to die in the House of Parliament in England
House of Parliament counts as one of the Royal buildings and hence, anyone who dies in there would be technically worthy of a state funeral. So, if by some stroke of luck you get to attend the sessions in House of Parliament, don’t get too excited and incur a heart attack. And if you do get it, hold it.
2. In Victoria, Australia, changing an electric bulb if you are not a licensed electrician is not allowed
Noo! This rule applies for all people, and not just kids. What were you thinking?
I actually appreciate this ban. So considerate of them. 🙂
3. In Capri, noisy footwears and flip flops are banned because they kill the serenity of the island
Walk like a thief in the house, all the freaking time.
4. In Tuszyan, a little town in Central Poland, Winnie the Pooh is banned from the playgrounds
The local authorities find him inappropriate for kids because he is half-naked, lacks genitals, and possesses a dubious sexuality! I wonder if kids there watch Cartoon Network at all because the many popular cartoons that I can recall, all of them apparently lack genitals and are half naked.
But the bear part is sorted because Poland has got their own fictional bear that remains dressed from head to toe.
5. In Milan, frowning is banned!
Rules state that a person has to smile at all times and the expression of frowning should be limited to funerals and within boundaries of hospitals. Fine awaits the one who breaks this rule. So, if someone picks your pocket there and runs away, :).
6. Kinder Joy is banned in the USA
Also known as Kinder Surprises around the world, these chocolate eggs with tiny toys encased inside are popular treats around the world but of course, with the exception of the US. Reason being the concern that a plastic toy encased in an edible product can easily be the cause of choking hazard. The instances of people getting detained in the US airport on account of bringing in the yummy treats from Canada just show how serious the US are on this one.
7. In Denmark, parents must choose name for their baby from the list of pre-approved names
The Law of Personal Names restrict parents to choose from the list of 7,000 pre-approved names and if they desire to choose a name out of the list, they have to take the approval of the local churches and the government officials. So much for naming their own baby!
The Naming Law in China is no less crazy. The Chinese language contains about 70,000 characters but only a fraction of this is on the computers. And to name the baby, only the characters that machines can read should be chosen. Very thoughtful, I must say.
8. In Russian city of Chelyabinsk, driving around in a dirty car is a Big Fat NO
And if you do that, you may get fined up to 2,000 rubles. How serious is that! Well, as serious as the fact that there is no word for “fun” in Russian. That explains so much now.
9. You will get fined for not walking your dog thrice a day in Torino, Italy
Yay for the dogs! But what if the dog does not want to go out because its girl friend won’t go too?
10. People visiting Pyongyang (North Korea’s capital) can’t visit department stores in the city
And, they can’t even use the local currency. But, apparently, this rule is flexible by a bit.
Want another crazy ban from North Korea? Blue Jeans. Yes, Blue jeans are banned in the country. Why, you ask? Because apparently, the colour blue is in some way related to the US. So there.
11. Men in Iran can’t grow ponytails, mullets or sport heavily spiked hair
The government published a list of male appropriate hairstyles in 2010, which prohibited such hair styles for men. Yes, they actually did that.
12. Pokemon, you can’t show your shizz in Saudi Arabia
Someone in the Saudi Arabian government came up with this theory that Pokemon Trading Card Game is a part of Jewish controversy and is used as an instrument to brainwash youth and to promote Zionism (nationalist and political movement of Jews) and gambling!
However, this Pokemon game can still be found in some stores, thanks to govt’s inability to keep the ban enforced. Major stores, however, still do not stock it.
13. In Australia, pornography featuring women having small breasts is a NO
Evidently, some of the politicians in the government feel that porn movies featuring women with small breasts would give air to pedophilia. Okay..but, ..OK.
14. All movies of Claire Danes in Manila are banned
The Hollywood actress is considered Persona Non Grata (unwelcome person) in Manila and all her movies are banned. The reason? While filming in the city, she complained about the conditions that were apparently not very favourable. Reportedly, she “insulted” the city calling it “rat infested, smelly and weird”, and hence, the ban.
15. Housing gold fish in a bowl is banned in Monza, city located near Milan
The ban was enforced in 2004 citing reasons that fish housed in a bowl develops a “distorted view of reality”. Now this one is thoughtful in real terms!
16. In Germany, running out of gas on Autobahn (motorway) is prohibited
Get a load of this, if you do end up running out of gas on the motorway, don’t you commit the “mistake” of walking to the nearest gas station because seemingly, even walking is prohibited on the motorway in Germany!
Awesome US. (sarcasm intended).