If only we have a dollar for each time our non-Singaporean friends question the existence of our no chewing gum law – we’d be rich. But Singapore is not the only country with weird regulations or our own way of doing things. From banning a cartoon character’s indecent exposure to Three Generations of Punishment, read on as we sniff out five weird laws from around the world.
2. Pooh It Away!We’re pretty sure that at some point in everyone’s childhood, Winnie the Pooh was our favourite cartoon character. I mean, who says no to such a huggable bear? Poland, evidently.
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| Photo credit: nydailynews |
Labelled as a flasher and a negative influence in a small town in Central Poland, Winnie the Pooh was banned from appearing in playgrounds because our lovely Winnie the Pooh has a ‘dubious sexuality’ and is dressed without pants.
If you’re greatly disturbed by the dubious sexuality of our dear Winnie the Pooh, cheer yourself up with a beer tour in Warsaw. When you’re down, beer will always be there to pick you up.
3. Time to MigrateStill angry at your other half because he forgot your birthday? Ladies, time to pack up and head for Samoa, where it’s illegal for husbands to forget their wife’s birthday!
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| Photo credit: Flickr/Andrew Moore |
With the iridescent seas, jade jungles and crystal waterfalls — and the added benefit of a law deemed ridiculous to most men — what’s stopping you from moving over to Samoa? Okay, so they might not be the most advanced country in the world, but what about spending your honeymoon at Samoa, reminding your husband that he should never forget your birthday.
4. Oh, Canada!
You turn up the radio on a beautiful Sunday morning, only to hear Justin Bieber‘s song playing — dang it. There’s a law in Canada that states that one in every five songs played on the radio has to be sung by a Canadian.
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| Photo credit: Christopher Policarpio |
Rejoice if you’re a Belieber and sulk in a corner if you’re not. If you’re wondering how the Canadians survive, don’t forget there’s Michael Bublé who emerges from his cave every Christmas, The Weeknd, Avril Lavigne and many more famous Canadian singers!
Don’t want to take the chance with the radio for fear of hearing Justin Bieber? Hit the streets of Vancouver with skyscrapers and trees towering over you while you discover the best of Canada.
5. Sharing is Caring
Break a law in North Korea and prepare to get sent to a prison camp — yes, your whole family, all three generations, to prison camp. Commonly observed in ancient China, the ‘Three Generations of Punishment‘ was meant to ensure that family members of the convicted were not given a chance to take revenge.
See the world’s most dangerous border with your own eyes when you make a trip down to Korea’s Demilitarized Zone, stick closely close to your guide or you might be detained! Heard stories of North Korean soldiers trying to sneak their way into South Korea only to get shot? The sombre atmosphere of the border between North and South Korea makes you thankful to be living in Singapore.
There’s probably a bunch of outrageous laws out there we’ve yet to dug out, so why not you go ahead and share with us what’s the most appalling law you’ve heard at our Facebook page!
Meanwhile, here’s what we’ve got so far:
>> Watch Out for These 10 Outrageous Laws Overseas!
