Every country has its fair share of odd laws that may have served a purpose at one time but are now entirely irrelevant or outlandish. Let’s take a trip through various corners of the world to discover some of these fascinating and ancient laws.
Witchcraft Prohibition in Canada
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Believe it or not, up until 2018, it was technically illegal to pretend to practice witchcraft in Canada. Under this law, you couldn’t fraudulently pretend to exercise any kind of conjuration or use enchantment, sorcery, or witchcraft to locate lost or stolen goods.
Mince Pie Consumption in the UK
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Although not enforced today, there exists a law from Oliver Cromwell’s era in the 17th century that banned eating mince pies on Christmas Day in the UK, as he considered it a frivolous activity.
Horseless Carriage Law in Missouri, USA
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In the state of Missouri, USA, there’s a law requiring drivers of horseless carriages to stop, disassemble their vehicle, and hide the parts in the bushes if horses get scared. Of course, this isn’t enforced today, but it remains on the books.
No Dueling in Massachusetts, USA
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In Massachusetts, it’s illegal to duel with water pistols. This law, presumably intended to discourage violent disputes, seems pretty out of place in today’s times.
Whaling Ban in Oklahoma, USA
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Interestingly, Oklahoma has a law that bans whaling. This is quite strange, given the state is landlocked, and the nearest ocean is hundreds of miles away.
Salmon Handling in the UK
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In the UK, it’s illegal to handle a salmon in suspicious circumstances under the Salmon Act of 1986. Though it was meant to control salmon poaching, the phrasing of the law makes it sound quite amusing today.
Donkey Sleeping in Bathtubs in Arizona, USA
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There’s a law in Arizona that prohibits donkeys from sleeping in bathtubs. This quirky law came about after a donkey that habitually slept in a bathtub was washed away in a flood.
No Cactus Theft in Arizona, USA
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Another odd law in Arizona makes it illegal to cut down a Saguaro cactus. If you do, you could face up to 25 years in jail. The law was enacted to protect this unique desert plant.
No Feeding Pigeons in Venice, Italy
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In Venice, it’s illegal to feed pigeons in St. Mark’s Square. This law was put in place to preserve the historic buildings and monuments that were being damaged by bird droppings.
No Gum in Singapore
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In Singapore, the sale of gum is prohibited unless it’s of therapeutic value. This law was enacted in 1992 to keep public spaces clean.
No Spitting in Barcelona, Spain
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In Barcelona, it’s illegal to spit in public places. This law was enacted in 2005 as part of a campaign to keep the city clean.
No Dying in the Houses of Parliament in the UK
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It’s technically illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament in the UK. This is because anyone who dies there is technically entitled to a state funeral.
No Flushing the Toilet After 10 PM in Switzerland
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In Switzerland, there is a law in certain apartment buildings that prohibits residents from flushing their toilets after 10 PM. This peculiar law aims to prevent noise disturbances during the night, ensuring a peaceful environment for everyone.
No Wearing High Heels in Greece’s Ancient Sites
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In Greece, it is forbidden to wear high heels in several of the country’s ancient sites, including the Acropolis and the Temple of Poseidon. This measure is taken to protect historical artifacts and prevent potential damage to ancient structures.
No Selling Hollowed-Out Rocks in Saudi Arabia
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In Saudi Arabia, it is illegal to sell or transport rocks that have been hollowed out. This law was put in place to prevent the smuggling of contraband and to protect the natural resources of the country.
No Playing Cards Without the King’s Permission in England
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An old English law from the 15th century stipulates that playing cards requires the permission of the reigning monarch. While this law is no longer enforced, it serves as a reminder of the historical significance of card games and their association with gambling.
No Importing Used Underwear in Japan
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Japan has strict regulations on the importation of used underwear. This law aims to maintain hygiene standards and prevent the spread of diseases. While it may seem unusual, it reflects the meticulous attention to cleanliness and sanitation in Japanese society.
No Wearing a Suit of Armor in British Parliament
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It is forbidden to wear a suit of armor in the British Parliament. This law, which dates back to the 1313 Statute Forbidding Bearing of Armor, was initially enacted to prevent armed nobles from intimidating or overpowering other members. Today, it serves as a symbolic reminder of the separation between military and civilian authority.
No Eating Fried Chicken with a Fork in Gainesville, Georgia, USA
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In the city of Gainesville, Georgia, there is a law that prohibits eating fried chicken with a fork. This law is believed to have been enacted to encourage people to enjoy the finger-licking goodness of this Southern delicacy fully.
While many of these ancient laws may seem odd or amusing today, they offer a glimpse into the historical, cultural, and social contexts in which they were created. They remind us that laws evolve over time, reflecting the changing values and priorities of societies. As we continue to progress, it is important to review and update legislation to ensure it remains relevant and serves the best interests of the people it governs.
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No matter how well you hide your belongings, once a burglar is able to get into your home, your items are at risk. These are the 18 hiding spots thieves will always check first.
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16 ACTIONS THAT TURN MEN AWAY – THE MOST UNATTRACTIVE THINGS WOMEN CAN DO, AS REVEALED BY MEN
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If you are a woman on the lookout for the perfect man, you may want to check out this list of 16 things that men find unattractive in women. The list is compiled from a recent online forum in which men discussed what turned them off when it came to women.
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HIDDEN HUMILITY: 10 HINTS THAT SOMEONE IS WEALTHIER THAN THEY APPEAR
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Wealth doesn’t always display in luxurious cars or high-end fashion. Indeed, many individuals with considerable wealth opt to keep a low profile regarding their financial situation. This piece explores various subtle cues and hints that might indicate someone being “wealthier than they appear,” all collected from the insights of internet users.
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19 PRODUCTS MARKETED ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY TO STUPID PEOPLE
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