From outlawing ice cream cones in your back pocket to restricting the color purple, history is full of truly weird laws that leave modern minds scratching their heads. These laws, once taken seriously, now seem like quirky relics of a different time. Whether rooted in superstition, moral panic, or plain old miscommunication, these odd rules prove that the legal systems of the past weren’t always logical or fair. Let’s take a time-traveling look at 10 historical laws so bizarre, they sound made up.
10. No Wearing Purple in Ancient Rome (Unless You’re Royal)
In Ancient Rome, purple dye was so rare and expensive that it was restricted by law. Only emperors or certain elite officials were allowed to wear purple clothing. This weird law was enforced to emphasize power and status. Anyone caught breaking it could face serious punishment, even execution.
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9. Don’t Die in the British Houses of Parliament
It might sound like satire, but dying in the British Parliament building is technically illegal. The logic? Anyone who dies there is entitled to a state funeral, and lawmakers wanted to avoid the legal complexity. While it’s not strictly enforced, this is easily one of the weirdest laws in U.K. history.
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8. Banned Wearing of Pointy Shoes in Medieval England
In 1463, King Edward IV banned the wearing of pointy shoes, also known as “poulaines,” if they extended more than two inches past the toe. These long shoes were considered a symbol of vanity and excess among the upper class. The weird law was part of a broader effort to crack down on flashy fashion trends and reinforce social order. Violators could be fined or have their shoes confiscated.
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7. Illegal to Have an Ice Cream Cone in Your Pocket in Kentucky
In the early 20th century, Kentucky passed a law making it illegal to carry an ice cream cone in your back pocket. Why? Horse thieves used to lure horses away by placing a cone there without technically “stealing” the animal. This odd workaround led to one of the strangest weird laws in American history.
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6. No Wearing of High Heels in Ancient Greece
In 2009, Greece officially banned high heels at several historic sites, including the Acropolis and the Epidaurus Theater. The regulation was introduced to protect the ancient stone surfaces, as sharp heels can chip, scratch, or otherwise damage the fragile architecture.
5. No Buying Mattresses on Sundays in Washington State
In the early 20th century, Washington State enacted “blue laws” that restricted certain commercial activities on Sundays to encourage a day of rest and religious observance. Among these limitations was a prohibition on selling items like mattresses and televisions on Sundays. While these laws were largely repealed by 1966, remnants of them lingered for years. This stands as one of the most weird historical laws from Washington’s past.
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4. Oversized Hula Hoops Banned in Las Vegas, Nevada
In the heart of downtown Las Vegas, where street performers and tourists flood the sidewalks, there’s a surprisingly specific restriction: no oversized hula hoops. According to Las Vegas Municipal Code Section 11.68.100, any hula hoop larger than four feet in diameter is prohibited within the Fremont Street Experience pedestrian mall. This is one of the more oddly specific weird laws still technically on the books, and yes, it’s enforced.
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3. Beards Taxed in Tsarist Russia
Tsar Peter the Great wanted Russians to adopt a clean-shaven, European look. In 1698, he imposed a tax on beards. If you wanted to keep yours, you had to carry a special token proving you paid the fee. This unusual form of control reflected the Tsar’s push toward Western modernization.
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2. No Chickens Crossing the Road in Quitman, Georgia
In Quitman, Georgia, there’s a local ordinance that prohibits chickens from crossing the road. This regulation aims to prevent potential traffic disruptions. While it may sound like the setup to a classic joke, it’s a real law on the books. So, the next time someone asks, “Why did the chicken cross the road?” you can confidently say, “Not in Quitman, it didn’t!”
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1. Must Play 35% Canadian Artists on Canadian Radio
Canada has a unique law requiring radio stations to play a certain percentage of Canadian music, known as the Canadian Content or “CanCon” regulations. Established by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), this rule states that at least 35% of the music played on Canadian radio stations must be by Canadian artists. This quirky regulation sometimes frustrates listeners hoping to hear international hits but remains an important part of Canada’s cultural policy.