4 Countries That Prohibited Christmas Celebrations

Christmas decoration illustration (Pexels/Brett Styles)

JAKARTA - Christmas is one of the most anticipated moments in the world. However, even though many countries celebrate it with joy, there are several places in the world where Christmas celebrations are prohibited.

This prohibition is usually enforced for religious, cultural, or government reasons. The following are 4 countries that prohibit or limit Christmas celebrations, as reported by VOI from the LADbible page on Monday, December 16, 2024.

1. Tajikistan

If you visit Tajikistan at Christmas, you will be surprised by the total ban on Christmas celebrations, Christmas trees and gifts. The country, which borders Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, has further tightened its rules regarding Christmas in the past decade.

In 2013, the government of Tajikistan banned the emergence of 'Father Frost' (Russian-style Santa Claus version) on television. They also prohibit the use of fireworks, Christmas banquets, gifts, and fundraisers. In fact, the installation of Christmas trees, both original and artificial in schools and universities, is prohibited by the Ministry of Education.

Apart from Christmas, Halloween celebrations are also almost entirely prohibited in Tajikistan. In fact, events such as funerals and weddings are strictly regulated. In 2015, a man was fined 475 pounds or IDR 9.6 million for celebrating an Irish-themed birthday.

2. Brunei

Brunei, a small oil-rich country in Southeast Asia, has strict rules for Christmas celebrations. In 2014, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah banned Christmas celebrations openly, fearing this could affect Muslim beliefs in the country.

Non-Muslims are still allowed to celebrate Christmas, but only in private and in full privacy. Several reports state that families must report to the authorities before celebrating Christmas to avoid legal issues.

Violations of this rule can be fined up to 16,000 pounds or Rp324 million rupiah, five years in prison, or receive a second sentence.

3. China

In China, Christmas is considered a 'Festival of Shame' and a 'West Candu Spiritual' by the government. Although many residents celebrate Christmas, the government has explicitly banned celebrations in some areas, such as Wenzhou, where schools and public centers are not allowed to hold Christmas activities.

The Chinese Communist Party (PKC) also prohibits party members, government agencies, and universities from participating in celebrations. Social media campaigns often call for boycotts of Christmas to protect local traditions.

4. North Korea

Under Kim Jong-un's rule, Christmas is not celebrated in North Korea. Residents are only allowed to respect the leader of the country and his family, not Jesus Christ or Santa Claus. Christmas has been officially banned since 1948, when the Kim regime began to restrict religious freedom.

In 2016, Kim Jong-un banned Christmas celebrations completely and replaced it with his grandmother's birthday celebrations, which fell on December 24. Residents caught celebrating Christmas can face severe sentences, including prisons to the death penalty.