Many laws worldwide are universally adopted, such as banning discrimination based on religion and ethnicity. However, some countries have implemented seemingly odd laws tailored to specific needs of the past. In hindsight, these laws may sound illogical. While many of these unusual laws are rarely enforced, they remain on the books. Here are five such odd laws from around the world.
Laugh Daily, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan
A local government in Japan’s Yamagata prefecture has made a law that asks residents to laugh at least once a day to get better physical and mental health. This new law was based on research from Yamagata University’s Faculty of Medicine that suggests a direct link between laughter and good health. Business operators are also asked to “develop a workplace environment that is filled with laughter”. Additionally, the eighth day of every month has been designated as the day for “residents to promote health through laughter.”
No singing in a swimsuit, Florida, USA
The US state of Florida is renowned for its beautiful beaches, attracting swimmers, sunbathers and surfers. While swimsuits are common attire, an unusual law prohibits people from singing in their swimsuits or singing along to the radio while running or walking. This law, reportedly listed in the Sarasota Code of Ordinances, was intended to prevent the disruption of the “peace, quiet, and comfort of others.”
No ice cream on cherry pie, Kansas, USA
Kansas, a major agricultural state in the USA, has a peculiar law regarding cherry pie: it is prohibited to serve cherry pie with a scoop of ice cream. According to an article in the Logan-Hocking Times, this law was likely enacted in the 1800s. At that time, consuming a rich dessert with ice cream was considered “gluttonous and morally wrong.”
Ban On Winnie The Pooh Merchandise, Tuszyn, Poland
In 2014, a Polish town named Tuszyb banned all Winnie the Pooh merchandise such as t-shirts or toys from public playgrounds. The lawmakers believed that Winne the Pooh is “inappropriately dressed” and “half-naked” as he only wears a shirt and no pants. Additionally, the character lacks a clear gender which makes it a “hermaphrodite”. Hence the character is inappropriate for kids.
No chewing gum, Singapore
Since 1992, chewing gum has been prohibited in Singapore. This law was made to keep the cities clean. The government believed that people were disposing of gum incorrectly. In 2004, some exceptions to the rule were made for dental and therapeutic reasons. People could buy nicotine-based chewing gums, used during smoking de-addiction programs, from a doctor or registered pharmacists.
No High Heels in Greece’s Monuments
In Greece, visitors are prohibited from wearing heels at historic sites like the Parthenon and the Acropolis in Athens, as well as any other historic site. This law was established to protect the fragile monuments from damage. It is believed that scratches from heels can chip away at the ancient stones, so visitors are encouraged to wear flat footwear instead.
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