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Historically, some countries have passed some of the strangest regulations, and although they are almost meaningless, they have really increased our knowledge!
From the ancient Egyptians forbidding the baking of some kind of bread to modern regulations prohibiting citizens from wearing high heels in certain places, the list of strange regulations is full.
In today's article, I have selected 7 of them, the strangest regulations in history, let's take a look together!
1. Crosswalks – London streets
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In 17th-century England, it was illegal to cross the street without stopping and bowing. This strange statute was introduced to the streets of London by King Charles II.
However, the penalty for violating this regulation is: a fine of one penny!
This particular statute was repealed in 1839.
But today, this seemingly simple regulation is enough to paralyze traffic!
(The high cost of law enforcement is also key!) ）
2. Draco's statute – the first written statute in history
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Draco's Statutes date back to 621 BC and were the first written statutes in Athens. It was created by a lawmaker named Draco to focus on punishing criminals with harsh punishments.
The statute provides for the death penalty for even the most minor crimes, such as theft or "unnecessary" proceedings.
This code has been called one of the earliest forms of enforcement, but many historians believe that its strict rules and extreme punishments make it impractical and even absurd.
As a result, Draco's Statutes were eventually replaced by a more humane code of law in 594 BC.
Today, Draco's statutes are a negative example of how a normative legal system is established.
(A quarrel will be pulled out XX, it's terrible!) But I already guessed what you want to say, it's really good to be strict with human traffickers and the like, right? ）
3. Gun ban law – Antarctica
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Antarctica is the only continent in the world with an international treaty prohibiting the use of military force and the existence of weapons of any kind.
In 1959, 12 countries, including the United States, signed a treaty banning all types of military activity in Antarctica.
The treaty also includes a ban on weapons of any kind, including firearms. This statute exists to prevent any form of violence or conflict in Antarctica.
Although this regulation does not have much practical application because Antarctica does not have a permanent population, it ensures that the continent is used for peaceful purposes and that its natural resources are preserved for future generations.
It also sets an example for other countries when it comes to regulating gun laws.
(But I don't think this is surprising, it's necessary!) I put it here just to let everyone see that we humans will still occasionally be of the same heart! ）
4. Tattoos – illegal
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In the past, tattoos were banned in some countries. One of these countries is Japan.
Because tattoos are considered an expression of spiritual purity and a way to ward off evil spirits. However, this ancient Japanese regulation has existed for centuries and is still in force today.
Tattooing in Japan is illegal unless you have obtained a special permission from the government. This means that people who want to get a tattoo have to go through a long process, and even then, they may not get permission.
The penalties for violating this statute can be very severe and may include fines, imprisonment, or both.
This is a strange regulation that doesn't make much sense in today's world, especially since there are no religious or spiritual reasons behind it.
(Is this rule tailor-made for Japanese yakuza?) ）
5. Regulations for Students – South Korea
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In South Korea, students must comply with strict regulations that may be considered the most important for some. For example, it is illegal for college students to dye their hair or wear makeup.
In addition, students are not allowed to leave campus after 10 p.m., and if they do, they must always carry a note from their professor.
In addition, it is illegal for students to participate in any protest on campus.
While these regulations may seem extreme, enforcing them is to ensure student safety and reduce the risk of student riots.
These regulations also prove that education remains a priority in South Korea.
(I think these regulations are necessary, and many of our schools also stipulate this, which is quite good!) ）
6. No beard - ancient Egypt to medieval Europe
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Another strange and seemingly arbitrary regulation is the "beardless" rule. From ancient Egypt to medieval Europe, many rulers enforced this particular statute.
In ancient Egypt, pharaohs were considered gods and were expected to look as perfect as gods. To preserve this image, they instituted a statute that stipulates that anyone of noble birth must shave or face punishment.
Similar regulations were equally valid in medieval Europe. There, the beard is clean-shaven and is seen as a sign of sophistication. Beard growth is associated with the lower classes, and anyone found to have a beard could face fines or other penalties.
Today, the "beardless law" is not as strictly enforced as it used to be. However, many workplaces still have regulations that require male employees to shave.
Today, these regulations are often considered outdated and discriminatory, but for now, they are still in effect in many parts of the world.
(I think it's very handsome to grow a beard, but it still has to be carefully taken care of, not let it grow indiscriminately~)
7. No football - England, King Edward III
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One of the strangest statutes in history is that between 1314 and 1835, England opposed the statute of playing football. (Considering the importance of football to the British people right now, such regulations are simply unbelievable!) ）
To curb aggressive behavior, King Edward III made it illegal to play football any day of the week.
The penalties for playing football are extremely harsh – hefty fines and even jail time. This law is strictly enforced, and anyone caught playing football can be sent to jail.
Although this statute was eventually repealed, it is still the strangest statute in history!
(Was it because the king at the time was injured by football?) ）
Conclusion
Today, these regulations that we mentioned above are just some of the strangest regulations in history that have been around for years.
Although most of them have been abolished, there are still countries that still implement these strange regulations today.
From banning soccer to not being allowed to grow a beard, it's hard to believe that these laws were once true.
Still, while some of these regulations may seem silly or strange today, they also reflect the evolution of our society over time.
Although we are much freer today, and everyone's tolerance of the world has increased a lot, it is precisely because of this that the world we see today is strange and strange... There will be no less things than in the past.
These historical people would be absolutely amazed if they could see our world today!
Well, that's it for our sharing today, I'm your strange "mysterious planet look", we'll see you tomorrow~~