Just when you think the world couldn’t get any stranger, wait until you hear what some places have actually banned. We’re not talking about obvious stuff like drugs or weapons. Nope. This is about the weird, wonderful, and sometimes hilarious things that governments around the world have said a big, fat “Nope” to.
From baby names to time travel movies, here are 15 of the strangest bans ever put into law. Some will make you laugh. Others will make you scratch your head. But all of them prove one thing: reality is weirder than fiction.
1. Chewing Gum – Singapore
Singapore banned chewing gum in 1992 to keep its streets and public places clean. You can still get fined just for possessing gum—unless it’s for medical purposes. Stick to mints if you’re headed there.
2. Baby Names – Denmark
Want to name your kid “Pluto” or “Monkey”? Not in Denmark. The country has an approved list of about 7,000 names. Anything too weird or potentially embarrassing gets the axe.
3. Kinder Surprise Eggs – USA
These chocolate eggs with toys inside are banned in the U.S. because of a 1938 law that forbids putting non-food items inside food. Who knew a chocolate egg could be such a criminal?
4. Time Travel Movies – China
In 2011, China banned films and TV shows that featured time travel. The reason? They believe such content distorts history and disrespects traditional culture. Sorry, Doc Brown.
5. Yellow Clothing – Malaysia
In 2016, Malaysia banned wearing yellow t-shirts. Why? The color was linked to a political protest movement. Fashion got political real fast.
6. Blue Jeans – North Korea
In North Korea, wearing blue jeans is considered a symbol of Western capitalism and is banned. If you want to wear jeans, you’d better go for black.
7. Ponytails on Men – Iran
Iran’s morality police once banned ponytails for men, saying it was an “un-Islamic hairstyle.” Mohawks and mullets didn’t make the cut either. Tough times for barbers.
8. Video Games – Greece
Back in 2002, Greece banned all video games—even on computers and phones—to stop illegal gambling. Gamers were not pleased. Absolutely ridiculous if you ask me!
9. Valentine’s Day – Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia banned all things Valentine’s Day, including roses and cards. Florists had to hide red flowers during the love-struck season.
10. Scrabble in Hebrew – Israel (for a While)
At one point, a Hebrew version of Scrabble was banned due to concerns about the game encouraging non-standard spelling. That’s one way to protect the language.
11. Reincarnation Without Permission – Tibet
In a bizarre move, China banned Buddhist monks in Tibet from reincarnating without government approval. We’re not sure how they plan to enforce that one…
12. Obesity – Japan
In Japan, companies and local governments are required to measure the waistlines of people between 40 and 74. Those over a certain limit face “Metabo” laws, which target obesity. No snack for you!
13. Running Out of Gas on the Autobahn – Germany
You can drive as fast as you want, but don’t run out of gas on the Autobahn—it’s illegal. Authorities believe it’s a preventable risk, so plan your fuel stops wisely.
14. Dying in Certain Places – France
In a few French towns like Sarpourenx, dying is technically illegal because the local cemeteries are full. The mayors imposed the ban to make a point. Good luck obeying that one.
15. Winnie the Pooh – Poland
A town in Poland banned Winnie the Pooh from a children’s playground due to concerns over his lack of pants and his “inappropriate” gender ambiguity. Poor Pooh Bear can’t catch a break.
If you enjoyed reading this, you don't want to miss out on 19 Banned Books, Between The Lines And Beyond Bans. From classic masterpieces to contemporary bestsellers, these books have stirred controversy, challenged norms, and found themselves on the wrong side of censorship.
The world is full of odd rules and regulations.
Whether it’s chewing gum or cartoon bears, these bans say more about the places that made them than the things themselves. While some are funny and harmless, others are surprisingly strict or downright strange.
Either way, they make one thing clear: Weird is everywhere, and we’re totally here for it.
Sources and reference:
- BBC News – www.bbc.com
- National Geographic – www.nationalgeographic.com
- World Economic Forum – www.weforum.org
- The Guardian – www.theguardian.com
- Reuters – www.reuters.com
Kate is a creative soul with a knack for entertaining people with random facts and historical tidbits. Whether she’s diving into history books, painting vibrant canvases in her free time, or crafting engaging stories, Kate’s passion for creativity and knowledge shines through.
She loves turning the ordinary into something extraordinary and believes there’s always a fascinating story waiting to be told. When she’s not busy exploring the past or wielding a paintbrush, you’ll find her sharing her latest discoveries with anyone who’ll listen.
