Greenland was named as Greenland by Vikings who discovered this country in the 10th century. It's still technically punishable as a misdemeanor, according to Virginia State Legislature. Who knows, but it was enough of an annoyance to pass a law about it. Who stole enough seafood for this to be worth making a weird law about? Final verdict: Technically, it was Wisconsins downright war against margarine that began in 1895. View the Best Chili in Austin. Did you know it's considered one of the world's first democracies? An extremely stunning phenomenon is the midnight Sun which means that the day does not end with a setting sun. In the past few years Iceland and Norway have also adopted this law. In Honolulu, Hawaii it is illegal to sing loudly after sunset. as well as other partner offers and accept our, Photo by Alexander Pohl/NurPhoto via Getty Images, Calaveras County Fair and Frog Jumping Jubilee, might technically be legal on a federal level, can't display obscene stickers, paintings, decals, or emblems, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Kahlua alcoholic chocolates are around 4%, 9 of the most outrageous liquor laws in the US, The most bizarre driving laws around the world, 9 weird things that can get you into trouble in Putin's Russia. If it keeps creepy clowns of the road, we're OK with it. It is also apparently illegal in Massachusetts for a man and a woman who rent a room for the night to sleep in the nude. Unfortunately, people are terrible. The law applies also to trout, eels, lampreys, smelt, freshwater fish, and any other fish "specified for the purpose." Nevertheless, the Chinese government is determined to participate in the process of choosing the next Dalai Lama and thus in just how he intends to help humanity. The freezing temperatures also require that all houses are built on stilts, so when the islands layer of topsoil melts in, the structures dont sink or slide away causing any accidents. 1. Below are 51 absurdly ridiculous laws to keep in mind next time you travel to Europe. In Greece, police are allowed to arrest anyone suspected of having HIV. According to Louisiana State Legislature, the Creole stir-fry, made with rice, meat, and veggies, may be prepared for public consumption in the open using iron pots and wood fires. If you think only big gestures count, you are wrong my "To Travel is to Live" ~ Hans Christian Andersen Notice of Crimes. According to the 1986 Salmon Act, Section 32, if he handles a salmon in a "suspicious manner," he will be subject to prosecution and a fine of up to 800. Final verdict: If youre trying to surprise your friend with a pizza, do it with caution. Background. If you have been swimming, you must not wear your swimming costume after leaving the beach. Rumor has it that seaweed was once used as fertilizer and was stolen from public beaches in the night, but no ones positive how this wacky law really came to be. 15. When you're driving in Bolivia and other countries in South . Where this law exists: San Francisco, California. Remote planet: Which is the worlds southernmost city? In Victoria, B.C., it's illegal for a bagpiper to play at the same time as another street performer. This particular Florida law states that "no person or persons over 16 years of age shall, while wearing any mask, hood, or device whereby any portion of the face is so hidden, concealed, or covered as to conceal the identity of the wearer, enter upon, or be or appear upon any lane, walk, alley, street, road, highway, or other public way in this state.". No Shoes in Public. 11. While it's nearly impossible to enforce this law, and no blood test or medical history is required to get a marriage license, this health code could have prevented marital bliss for more than 9,700 Nebraskans who reported cases of chlamydia or gonorrhea to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services in 2015. Cannabis is legal in Canada. The list is quite long-:) OP JonnyM 11 | 2,620 When the sun reappears after the long and dark winter months, the local people of Longyearbyen observe the Solfestuka festivity. The Georgia Department of Agriculture law protects llama owners from liability in the event of harm or death with few exceptions. 9. We're not sure why its any safer if youre sleeping standing up, but well go with it. Requiring a permit ensures minimal harm to the land and maximum benefit to the people. But if you do find yourself swapping goods or services for your precious bundle, it's only a misdemeanor, which is usually punished less harshly than felonies, according to the Pennsylvania State Legislature. One of the most active glaciers of the world is present in Ilulissat, a city on the western coast of Greenland. In Turin, Italy, dog owners must take their dogs on a walk at least three times a day. In Canada, it's now legal to engage in oral sex with your pet. To solve the funeral issue the local government of Svalbard reportedly requests any dead bodies to be taken to the mainland of Norway for burial, either by plane or by boat. But North Dakota obviously decided it needed a more state-focused group for celebrating chickpeas, lentils, and lupins. Just run and hide. Everywhere in the world, you can find weird laws and Texas is no exception. In other words, the law implies that no atheists are allowed to run. Weird laws in the world's northernmost town: no funerals allowed, and no cats please! Enjoy this collection of funny, stupid and often bizarre laws from South America. It has become a tradition to use water pistols during New Years celebrations. A major part of Greenland is covered by fjords, which prevent the construction of roads for travelling to another city or town. In 1839, lawmakers made it illegal to beat any carpet, rug, or mat on the streets of London; the law technically endures, though beating doormats is fine, as . This is a not so surprising fact about Canada. It must also be a recognized name. In Greece, if anyone wants to get married, the law requires those to publish their wedding notice in a newspaper (written in Greek) or on the City Hall notice board. This North Carolina law was actually written to get rid of the persistent Ku Klux Klan activity in the area. Protect your cows - another one of the strange laws in Ireland. 47. Thanks to a weirdly-worded law in the city Criminal Code, it is unlawful to "throw any stones, snowballs, or any other missiles" at any person or property in Topeka, an ordinance that former mayor. So it is somewhat ironic that Alaska passed a law banning people from getting drunk in bars. In seven U.S. states, according to their constitutions, atheists are barred from holding public office. In Virginia, hunting is forbidden on Sundays, unless you're hunting raccoons. Where this law exists: Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Final verdict: Why would someone trip a horse? Final verdict: Dunkin Donuts and coffee are as American as it gets, and so is this weird law. 1. The logic behind it must be similar to the logic behind cyclists having to obey normal traffic laws, only a little less sound. Other strange driving laws in America include: You can't wash your neighbour's car without permission in Los Angeles. From legends of elves to a decades-long ban on beer, the Christmas Book Flood to state-owned milk stores, there are loads of quirks and weird facts about Iceland's history. Below are a few samples of strange laws from Denmark: "It is legal to attempt to escape from prison." "It is against the law to eat raw bacon, when there is a full moon." "It is illegal for women to wear wigs." Show more 4 pages, Kindle Edition First published May 28, 2011 Book details & editions About the author Jeffrey Fisher 899 books7 followers You just can't terrorize the town by walking around it in a creepy clown costume at midnight on a random Tuesday. Final verdict: This weird law sounds like something made up by a fed-up best friend. Thats keeping pigs outside your house.[2]. The law has been in place since 1903. 35. When Hawaii joined the United States in 1900, it still had its own coinage. 1. In Arizona, having more than two vibrators in your home is illegal. It is popular due to the fact that it has the fastest moving glacier in the entire Northern hemisphere. Imago, Weird Laws. We're not sure why this law was ever necessary. However there is no clear evidence to support the. Since 1986, US authorities have had the legal right to access any 180-day old email, without a warrant. It stated that no landlord could demand back money owed for booze. It certainly is a forgotten law and has never really been enforced in Florida. Often, travelers can get a good idea of what is and is not allowed in other countries with a little careful thought. In Oklahoma,"every person guilty of secretly loitering about any building, with intent to overhear discourse therein, and to repeat or publish the same to vex, annoy, or injure others, is guilty of a misdemeanor.". Strange But (Unfortunately) Untrue: Apple Pie Must Be Served With a Slice of Cheese. In 2008, a Saudi court refused an 8-year-old girl, who asked for a divorce from her 58-year-old husband. Leave Your Creativity For the Weekdays. Hopefully, you do, too. The "urban beautification" initiative dates back to 1927when an all-white circle of Hawaii's power wives created the Outdoor Circle Club and lobbied for the ban on outdoor ads. You might imagine that an Englishman would be free to hold his fish in any way he chooses, but you would be wrong. You cannot eat in the street in Rome, kiss anyone inside a car, or walk your dog on anything other than a short leash. Unfortunately, when a local dam broke, the house flooded, and the bathtub floated away, donkey and all. Law or not, that's a pretty good rule of thumb to follow. Spread the word The world's northernmost capital is Nuuk, and it belongs to Greenland, while the world's northernmost town that has more than a thousand permanent residents is Longyearbyen and it belongs to Norway. However, less than one-half is totally fine. The law is no longer enforced, of course, but back in the day, people who were deemed too unsightly for the public eye were slapped with a $25 fine over $400 in today's currency. In Florida, its illegal to fart in a public place after 6pm on a Thursday. Llama Crossing Road Sign // Bolivia. However, according to the Sexual Offences Act, it was a crime for teens to engage in this behaviour. The metabo law requires all citizens over age 40 to have their waist measurements taken once a year. Beating a Carpet on the Street. In Turin, Italy, dog owners must take their dogs on a walk at least three times a day. The construction of the iconic Twin Towers. According to the Wisconsin State Legislature, non-tasty cheese is technically punishable by law. Someone may pursue legal action if they were simply watching from an authorized area. 18. Some of these animals are polar bears, musk oxen, sea eagles, reindeers, humpback whales and walruses. This is one of the most well preserved churches and is definitely one of the 10 interesting facts about Greenland. In Britain it is illegal to operate a cow while intoxicated. (Calling your child Reignbeau or Kal-El would fall under this heading.) Final verdict:It sounds silly, but those funny, 1990s-style stink bombs you probably bought in a joke shop at some point can actually be harmful. This weird Nevada law is founded on logic - although that might not seem apparent at first. And yes, it is as vague and arbitrary as it sounds. 36. Where this law exists: South Carolina (among other states). (1) It is illegal to pretend to practice witchcraft in Canada. Any form of the "occult arts" is illegal to practice in Yamhill, including "fortune-telling, astrology, phrenology, palmistry, clairvoyance, mesmerism, spiritualism or any other practice or practices generally recognized to be unsound and unscientific whereby an attempt or pretense is made.". 11. #6- Air and boat travel Image Source:Wikimedia Among native New Hampshire mammals are the white-tailed deer, muskrat, beaver, porcupine, and snowshoe hare. Perhaps one of Canada's weirdest laws states that if you see the big guy in all of his hairiness in B.C., don't shoot! He has been a guest speaker on numerous national radio and television stations and is a five time published author. They decided that Winnie the Pooh, a beloved childrens character, was an inappropriate hermaphrodite because of its lack of identifying genitalia. These are the weirdest U.S. laws in cities and states across the country. Admittedly, most of these weird laws are either unlikely to be enforced or unlikely to come up in the first place. Otherwise, it is a crime of the third degree.. You're probably not going to get fined if you break it, but you may get a stern reminder. In Britain, it is illegal to carry a plank along the pavement. The Middle Ages spanned from roughly AD 500 to AD 1500. (Indio or Dusti just wouldnt cut it. There is some debate over this one. If youre just being a jerk, itll cost you $500. ), On the whole, it seems that the German government would like parents to use properly spelled, good old-fashioned names. It was built by Norse settlers who migrated here from Scandinavia and Iceland. In Saudi Arabia, it is illegal for any woman to drive a car. Final verdict: This weird law is even sadder than it sounds. And not just a salmon. For reasons unknown, these laws are still in place. There are lots of things you are not allowed to do in Italy. Local officials decided that bouncy pickles were fresher than those that just flopped onto the ground when dropped, and so the law was born. 5. 58. In parts of India, a man who is in debt can offer up his wife until the debt is paid. In France, it is stated as illegal to marry a dead person. In Greenland the only month where the temperature manages to reach above freezing point is July. Most public pools have vending machines that sell microscopic swimwear in any color you want.[5]. Invite a leprechaun to dinner - one of the top weird laws in Ireland. Part of the problem is the permafrost which makes it nearly impossible to properly dig graves, and the frost itself will push the coffins up and out of the earth. No, a woman's hair does not legally belong to her husband in Michigan. The weirdest laws on the planet: Its a crime to Prague history: There was another bridge before Charles Bridge, Ancient stone camels in Saudi Arabia older than Pyramids. Final verdict: In 2012, Illinois decided it was OK for culinary students to sample alcoholic beverages as part of their education, as long as they spit it out instead of actually drinking it. If you own more than two in your house, you can be subject to criminal possession. The law has obviously been partly overturned as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and encouragement from health and legislative officials to wear masks and face coverings in public. One of the by-laws for the city says, "No person shall interfere with a tree or part of a tree located on municipal property, including but not limited to attaching, affixing or placing upon in any manner any object or thing to a tree or part of a tree, and climbing the tree." Thats just not right. Supposedly, its a threat to public safety. However, while it's no longer officially illegal for anyone to use vulgar or obscene language in the presence of two or more people, people still can't display obscene stickers, paintings, decals, or emblems in public on motor vehicles or clothing. Don't Cut the Cactus Jumping Cactus in Arizona Source At least in Arizona, because it is illegal to do so. One councillor said, The problem with that bear is it doesnt have a complete wardrobe. The bears lack of pants was an issue as it was half naked., The meeting, which was taped in secret and leaked to the media, began to get out of hand when someone mentioned that the author was over 60 and [had] cut Poohs testicles off with a razor blade because he had a problem with his identity., In the end, the council decided to go with a Polish childrens character that was fully dressed from head to toe. Just to be on the safe side.[1]. 3. The list goes on. Oral sex is often considered sodomy by many states, according to the Hebrew Bible. In Alaska, a person. Ward Hazell is a writer who travels and an occasional travel writer. 6. According to one South Dakota law, liquor stores cannot sell candy containing more than .5% alcohol by weight. In Vermont, a wife needs the husbands permission to wear false teeth. It is not clear why this ever became a law or a rumoured law in the first place. Its considered harassment, as it should be. The rule states that no yelling, shouting, whistling or singing is allowed at any time. The second one constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by fines or jail time. The barmaid, who supposedly had been forced to work underground after her arrest, was also observed crushing a beer can with her buttocks and hanging spoons from her nipples. Yikes! 18. 5. When it refers to "ugly" people, it's really referring to those with disfiguring disabilities, particularly minorities. Apparently, two pickle farmers were caught selling pickles that werent fit for human consumption back in the 1940s. Its fine for them to take a bath in one, though. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. "Dumb Laws" Across the United States It Is Prohibited To Harass Big Foot (Washington) In the US state of Washington, it is a crime punishable by either a fine or a jail term to harass big foot, Sasquatch, or any other undiscovered species. If you do, youre at risk of paying $350 fine. 66. It's Illegal to Drag a Dead Horse Along the Street. Attempts to jump into the pool in shorts may lead to you being rescued by a lifeguard or hauled out by a large hook. People used to set up bear-wrestling rings. You can still dress up for the holiday, theater productions and emergency drills. Only about one in every 30,000 deer is born albino. Breastfeeding in public is legal (as it should be). Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest stories in hedge funds, PE, fintech, and banking delivered daily to your inbox. So, as long as youre gifting the pizza to someone and its paid in full, it should be fine. During summer, from mid-May to mid-July the sun does not completely set even though the bright daylight gets converted to warm hues in the evening. This is particularly important to the Chinese authorities because His Holiness (Tenzin Gyatso) has been such a thorn in their side. A popular law passed in England prohibits people to die in the House of Parliament. Three town residents must attest in writing that the animal is loose, and its owner must fail to reclaim or confine the beast after notice is given, according to Missouri State Legislature. When it entered the Kentucky Constitution in 1849, the law was meant to deter men who might aspire to public office from participating in the once rampant Southern tradition. Steven Depolo/Flickr (Be honest: Have you ever caught a mouse without a hunting license?) So, if you don't want to pay a fine of up to $200 then please keep a safe distance from electrical wires and don't die because of them. It is situated on the Svalbard Islands on the north of the Scandinavian country, and the islands bleak scenery is contrasted only by the colorful homes and edifices of the local Longyearbyen people. Or, perhaps, just over the border. Horse-tripping became a popular event, so much so that Oklahoma had to outlaw the practice, along with 12 other states. By law, any whale or great Sturgeon caught in the UK is the property of the Queen. It states: Use or wearing a body vest while engaged in the commission of, or an attempt to commit, or flight after committing or attempting to commit a crime of the first degree is a crime of the second degree. Just make sure you dont throw your talcum powder around when you are getting dry later. It is a step toward full independence from Danish rule. In Arkansas there still exists a law that was instated in the 1800s that states a husband is allowed to beat his wife, but only once a month. 11. 2. Beer They were dark years in an already dark. Ruled by the king, the people of medieval England lived under a feudal system heavily influenced by the Roman Catholic Church.. During the Middle Ages, both laws and the penalties for breaking them were very different from the ones we are familiar with today. He said, If the police are fair dinkum about protecting people in pubs and clubs, why dont they target the real issues instead?. The same laws also prohibit turkey scrambles, according to the Minnesota State Legislature. You'd better take it as a fun read instead of a history lesson! Greenland is called Greenland because that's what famous viking Erik the Red decided to call it when he started the first European settlement there in 982 AD. In Rhode Island, a union can be considered invalid under the grounds that the party is deemed to be, collectively, an idiot or a lunatic. 37. Longyearbyen was first inhabited by miners. near and around Sacramento; NO smoking outside or on the street! Final verdict: In some states, Sunday is still seen as a day of rest. It is a two day event and the greens in common version of golf are known as whites. No pun intended. 14. FALSE! Greenlandic became the sole official language of Greenland at the historic ceremony . 1. This road sign is meant to remind drivers to be cautious about their speeds on an upcoming hill. To preserve rare species of Arctic birds, locals are not allowed to bring cats in town as well, hence none feral friend can be spotted nearby. Final verdict: The point of this weird law was to help bolster state art agencies. Driving a dirty car in Chelyabinsk, Russia can get you fined up to 2,000 rubles (about 62 USD). In Thailand it is illegal to step on money. One common Netflix habit is illegal in Tennessee but might be hard to actually enforce on the minor level. 25. So we might think its a good thing that councillors give careful consideration to any mascots that they might put on a playground. Apparently, this is a slight to the great French general and emperor. Regardless, next time you camp in Minnesota, make sure to hose off your tires if youve taken an off-roading expedition. To translate, you cant have so much stuff in your car that it blocks your view. It's illegal to carry away or collect seaweed at night in New Hampshire. Let's take a look at some of these weird laws from around the world to know about how unusual they are: 1. Despite the goofy name, no one is allowed to use them in most states anymore aside from police officers. Unbelievable Belgian laws. That's why you need to know about some of the weirdest laws that you might break completely by accident. Its a very real law, and bingo halls can be fined for serving alcohol. Singing or playing only part of the national anthem or remixing it as dance music is punishable by a fine of not more than $100, according to Massachusetts State Legislature. Weather modification is not only possible, but it's actually a lucrative business. Ain't no poking fun at this one. Were not sure what prompted the law to be made in the first place, but its not the worst law written. 4. Anyone "pretending to forecast or foretell the future of another by cards, palm reading or any other scheme, practice or device" can be found guilty of a misdemeanor and fined up to $500, or even serve time in jail, according to Maryland State Legislature. Arizona. Still, it can be hard to understand the laws and customs of other countries, and travelers are often advised to take care not to inadvertently break the law. It is illegal to pass wind in public in Florida. However, these weird or outlandish laws are actually on the books, whether they're enforced or not. That's why you need to know about some of the weirdest laws that you might break completely by accident. 1. No spitting (it's a public nuisance) Donkeys may not sleep in bathtubs. We don't know why exactly many of them were created, but we do know everyone could use . For the roughly 2,000 people that live in Longyearbyen, snowmobiles are also one of the favored modes of transport. This place also has some more features counted as per the northernmost, such as the local church, museum, radio station, airport, university, etc. By Kate Bratskeir Jan 22, 2016, 01:51 PM EST | Updated Sep 5, 2017 If you allow your donkey to sleep in a bathtub, you're an ass. Given how cold it is in the specific region, people are not allowed to have a regular burial. Pixabay 36. One of the popular-but-fake-sounding weird laws for Pennsylvania is that you can't catch a fish with your mouth. That said, some people swear by psychics and will pay top dollar for a reading from an experienced fortune-teller. 50. He went with the name Greenland to make it sound all fuzzy to people back in Europe because in order to start a successful settlement, he needed a lot of settlers willing to migrate there.