Strange History

15 of the Weirdest Things Ever Banned in History

Darren - October 14, 2025

Throughout history, societies have imposed bans on various items and practices, often driven by cultural norms, health concerns, or political motives. These prohibitions sometimes appear peculiar or humorous from a modern perspective. For instance, in 2011, France restricted the use of ketchup in school cafeterias to preserve its culinary heritage and promote healthier eating habits among students. Similarly, in 2010, Iran banned certain Western hairstyles, including mullets and ponytails, as part of a broader effort to curb Western influence (mandatory.com). Such examples highlight the diverse and often unexpected reasons behind historical bans, reflecting the complex interplay between culture, politics, and societal values.

NEXT >>

1. Chewing Gum in Singapore

In 1992, Singapore implemented a ban on the import and sale of chewing gum to maintain public cleanliness and prevent gum-related vandalism. The ban was enforced after incidents where discarded gum caused disruptions in the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, such as jamming train doors. While chewing gum is not illegal to consume, importing or selling it without authorization is prohibited. Exceptions exist for therapeutic, dental, and nicotine gums, which can be purchased from registered medical professionals (en.wikipedia.org).

<< Previous

NEXT >>

2. Blue Jeans in North Korea

In North Korea, blue jeans are prohibited as they are viewed as symbols of Western imperialism and capitalist culture. The regime considers wearing them an act of ideological defiance. Consequently, citizens are expected to adhere to traditional clothing styles that align with socialist values. Reports indicate that individuals caught wearing blue jeans can face severe penalties, including imprisonment (northkoreainfo.com).

<< Previous

NEXT >>

3. Kinder Surprise Eggs in the USA

In the United States, Kinder Surprise Eggs are banned due to safety concerns. The 1938 Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act prohibits embedding non-nutritive objects in confections, classifying such products as adulterated. The small toys inside these chocolate eggs pose a choking hazard to children under three years old. Despite their popularity worldwide, these eggs remain illegal in the U.S (en.wikipedia.org).

<< Previous

NEXT >>

4. Reincarnation Without Government Approval in China

In 2007, China’s State Administration for Religious Affairs implemented regulations requiring Tibetan Buddhist monks, including the Dalai Lama, to obtain government approval before recognizing reincarnations. This measure aims to control religious practices and ensure they align with state policies. The regulations stipulate that all reincarnation applications must be submitted to multiple government bodies for approval, including the provincial-level religious affairs department, the provincial-level government, the State Administration for Religious Affairs, and the State Council (chinadaily.com.cn).

<< Previous

NEXT >>

5. Baby Names in Denmark

Denmark enforces a list of pre-approved baby names, requiring parents to select from about 7,000 options unless they receive special permission. The law’s intent is to protect children from ridicule. BBC explains the strict naming regulations (standard.co.uk).

<< Previous

NEXT >>

6. Mullets in Iran

In 2010, Iran’s Ministry of Culture officially banned “Western hairstyles,” including the mullet, as part of a broader crackdown on Western influence. The move aimed to promote Islamic values and cultural identity. The government issued a list of approved hairstyles, favoring traditional and modest styles over those deemed “decadent.” This initiative was part of a larger effort to enforce cultural norms and reduce Western cultural penetration (theguardian.com).

<< Previous

NEXT >>

7. Scrabble in Romania

In the 1980s, Romania’s Communist government, under Nicolae Ceaușescu, declared Scrabble a “tool of evil,” labeling it subversive due to its intellectual nature and Western origins. The game was banned until the regime’s fall. This prohibition reflects the era’s suppression of Western influences and intellectual freedoms (backintimetoday.com).

<< Previous

NEXT >>

8. Lip-Synching in Turkmenistan

In 2005, Turkmenistan’s President Saparmurat Niyazov banned lip-synching at public performances, television broadcasts, and concerts, aiming to preserve the authenticity of Turkmen musical traditions. He criticized the practice for its negative impact on the development of singing and musical art, stating, “Don’t kill talents by using lip-synching… create our new culture.” This decree was part of a series of cultural restrictions imposed by Niyazov during his rule (UPI.com).

<< Previous

NEXT >>

9. Lemons in Medieval Italy

In medieval Italy, lemons were sometimes banned due to suspicions that foreign produce could spread disease. This reflects the era’s cautious approach to imported goods and their potential health risks. For more on medieval food bans, see the Oxford Symposium on Food & Cookery.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

10. Ponytails for Men in Russia

In 2019, a school in Siberia threatened to expel a 10-year-old boy for wearing a man bun, a hairstyle popularized by footballer Zlatan Ibrahimović. The school officials compared the hairstyle to a “Hitler youth” cut and claimed it was associated with “Western sexual minorities.” This incident sparked nationwide controversy and discussions about personal expression and traditional gender norms in Russia (themoscowtimes.com).

<< Previous

NEXT >>

11. Time Travel in China (On TV and in Films)

In 2011, China’s State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television (SARFT) issued guidelines discouraging the production of time-travel-themed television shows and films. The directive criticized such content for “disrespecting history” and promoting “feudal superstitions, fatalism, and reincarnation.” SARFT stated that these programs “casually make up myths, have monstrous and weird plots, use absurd tactics, and even promote feudalism, superstition, fatalism and reincarnation.” This move aimed to preserve historical accuracy and cultural integrity in Chinese media (theguardian.com).

<< Previous

NEXT >>

12. Yellow Clothing in Malaysia

In 2011, Malaysia’s government banned yellow clothing associated with the Bersih 2.0 rally, a movement advocating for electoral reforms. The Home Ministry declared that wearing or possessing items bearing the Bersih logo was illegal, citing concerns over public order and national security. This led to arrests of individuals wearing yellow attire linked to the rally. For more details, see Aliran’s analysis (m.aliran.com).

<< Previous

NEXT >>

13. Valentine’s Day in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, Valentine’s Day is outlawed, with red roses and gifts confiscated. The rationale is to discourage un-Islamic romantic celebrations. The New York Times provides more details on this prohibition (theguardian.com).

<< Previous

NEXT >>

14. Jogging in Burundi

In 2014, Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza banned group jogging, claiming it masked political subversion. The government argued that opposition parties were using jogging groups as a cover to organize uprisings. Those violating the ban risked imprisonment. The Guardian has more on this unusual restriction (theguardian.com).

<< Previous

NEXT >>

15. Samosas in Somalia

In 2011, Somalia’s al-Shabaab militants banned samosas, citing their triangular shape as resembling the Christian Holy Trinity. The group announced the prohibition via loudspeakers in areas under their control, declaring the snack “too Western.” Residents were warned against cooking, buying, or eating samosas, known locally as sambusas. This ban reflects al-Shabaab’s strict interpretation of Islamic law and its efforts to eliminate perceived foreign influences (upi.com).

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Conclusion

Throughout history, societies have imposed bans on various items and practices, often reflecting deeper social, political, and cultural anxieties. These prohibitions, whether targeting specific foods, hairstyles, or activities, reveal underlying tensions and the evolving values within different cultures. Such measures underscore how societies navigate and respond to perceived threats, highlighting the complex interplay between tradition, modernity, and identity across the globe.

<< Previous