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15 Religious Rituals That Are Banned Today

Shannon Quinn - July 14, 2025

Religious rituals have long been at the heart of human civilization, shaping cultures, laws, and daily life. Spiritual practices often reflect deeply held beliefs and values, but not all rituals have stood the test of time—or the scrutiny of modern law. As societies evolved, some rites were deemed too dangerous, controversial, or incompatible with changing ethical standards. Many ancient customs, once sacred, are now forbidden by governments worldwide. This article explores fifteen such rituals, revealing their fascinating histories and the complex reasons behind their prohibition.

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1. Sati (Widow Burning)

One of history’s most notorious outlawed rituals, Sati involved widows being burned alive on their husbands’ funeral pyres. Rooted in certain Hindu traditions, it was seen as the ultimate act of devotion but was also a harrowing testament to the plight of women. The British colonial authorities banned Sati in 1829, recognizing its inherent cruelty. Though rare reports persist, the practice remains illegal and is condemned across modern India.

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2. Human Sacrifice

Throughout history, human sacrifice played a central role in the religious life of civilizations such as the Aztecs and Carthaginians. Participants believed offering lives would appease powerful gods or ensure fruitful harvests. Over time, global attitudes shifted, and the practice became universally reviled and outlawed. Today, human sacrifice is illegal everywhere and serves as a stark reminder of the extremes of ancient devotion. Read more

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3. Thuggee Strangling Rituals

The infamous Thuggee cult operated in India for centuries, blending religious devotion to the goddess Kali with ritualistic murder and theft. Members would befriend travelers, only to strangle them as a form of sacred offering. British colonial authorities launched an intensive campaign in the 19th century to eradicate the Thuggee and outlaw their deadly practices. Their grisly rituals are now illegal and remain a chilling chapter in India’s spiritual history. Read more

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4. Foot Binding as a Religious Rite

In certain Chinese communities, foot binding transcended social customs and took on a religious significance—seen as a way to purify women and honor tradition. Despite its deep cultural roots, the practice caused severe pain and lifelong disability. By the early 20th century, growing awareness of its harms led to official bans across China. Today, foot binding is both illegal and widely condemned for its violation of human rights. Read more

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5. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains a deeply controversial ritual, practiced in parts of Africa and the Middle East as a rite of passage or means of maintaining purity. Often justified through cultural or religious beliefs, FGM inflicts severe physical and psychological harm on girls and women. With growing international awareness, many countries now ban FGM, recognizing it as a serious violation of human rights. Read more

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6. Temple Prostitution

In ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia and India, temple prostitution was practiced as a sacred act, with sexual rituals performed to honor deities and ensure prosperity. These customs, once seen as spiritually vital, are now viewed through a lens of exploitation and abuse. Modern laws around the world have outlawed temple prostitution, recognizing the need to protect individual rights and end exploitative traditions. Read more

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7. Caste-Based Untouchability Rituals

For centuries, rigid caste-based rituals in India enforced the exclusion and mistreatment of so-called ‘untouchables’, often justified by religious doctrine. These practices dictated every aspect of social interaction, stripping millions of dignity and opportunity. With the adoption of the Indian constitution in 1950, untouchability was officially banned, marking a pivotal step toward equality and social justice.
Yet, the legacy of these rituals continues to challenge modern India’s quest for true inclusivity. Read more

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8. Snake Handling in Worship

In certain Pentecostal communities in the United States, snake handling emerged as a dramatic expression of faith, rooted in biblical interpretation. Believers handled venomous snakes during worship services, viewing survival as evidence of divine favor. However, the inherent dangers led to numerous injuries and fatalities. As a result, many states have enacted laws banning snake handling in religious gatherings, prioritizing public safety over tradition. Read more

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9. Bloodletting Ceremonies

In ancient Mesoamerican cultures, bloodletting ceremonies were performed to honor gods and ensure cosmic balance. Ritual participants would pierce their own skin to offer blood, believing it sustained the universe. Modern understanding of health and human rights has led to the prohibition of such practices. Today, bloodletting rituals are illegal and recognized as hazardous. Read more

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10. Forced Child Marriage as a Ritual

Across various societies, forced child marriage was often woven into religious or cultural rituals—sometimes involving the symbolic marriage of children to deities, or arranging unions with adults. These practices were meant to secure spiritual favor or maintain tradition, but they stripped children of autonomy and opportunities. Today, modern legal systems have widely criminalized child marriage, recognizing the profound harm it causes to young lives and futures. Read more

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11. Animal Sacrifice in Public Spaces

For millennia, animal sacrifice played a central role in rituals across numerous faiths. While private ceremonies may persist, modern animal welfare laws have led to bans on public sacrifices in many countries. These regulations reflect growing concern for ethical treatment of animals, balancing religious freedom with societal values. Public animal sacrifice is now strictly regulated or outlawed in much of the world. Read more

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12. Witch Hunts and Executions

During the Middle Ages and colonial era, witch hunts became notorious religious rituals, resulting in the persecution and execution of thousands—primarily women—accused of witchcraft. These rituals, often fueled by fear and religious fervor, devastated communities across Europe and America.
Modern societies have since condemned such practices. Witch hunts and executions are now illegal, symbolizing a hard-won shift toward rational justice and human rights. Read more

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13. Trial by Ordeal

Trial by ordeal subjected accused individuals to life-threatening tests—such as walking on fire or submersion in water—to determine guilt or innocence, all under divine judgment. These rituals were once common across Europe and beyond. With the rise of rational legal systems, such practices have been abolished, replaced by fair trials and due process. Read more

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14. Ritual Self-Flagellation

Ritual self-flagellation—the act of whipping oneself as a form of penance or devotion—has been observed in various faiths, most notably during religious festivals. While some see it as an act of spiritual discipline, authorities in several countries have banned the practice due to concerns over severe injuries and maintaining public order. Modern bans aim to protect participants’ health while respecting religious sentiment. Read more

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15. Cannibalism in Funeral Rites

In certain indigenous cultures, endocannibalism formed part of sacred funeral rites—relatives would consume the flesh of the deceased to honor their spirit and maintain a connection with ancestors. Though deeply meaningful within those communities, the practice raised serious health and ethical concerns. Today, funeral cannibalism is outlawed in nearly all countries, reflecting evolving global attitudes toward human dignity and public health. Read more

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Conclusion: Lessons from Outlawed Rituals

The banning of these fifteen rituals reveals a profound shift in global consciousness—one that prioritizes human rights, safety, and dignity over tradition. As societies evolve, once-sacred customs are re-examined through the lens of modern ethics and compassion. These changes remind us that spiritual practices must adapt to respect both individual freedoms and collective well-being. Understanding the past helps us foster more just, inclusive communities—where faith and humanity go hand in hand.

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