Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — As Christmas approaches, Christians around the world prepare to celebrate with religious and ceremonial traditions alongside family and friends. However, some countries ban Christmas celebrations, and individuals caught observing the holiday could face fines or punishment.
Christmas celebrations are often marked by traditions such as church services, gift exchanges, decorating Christmas trees, and gathering with family and friends. However, some countries, certain Christmas festivities are prohibited, particularly public or open celebrations.
Here are some countries where opens Christmas Celebrations is banned or restricted, as reported by CNBC Indonesia:
1. Somalia
The Somali government has long prohibited Christmas and New Year celebrations. The ban, which has been in place since 2009, aligns with the implementation of Sharia law.
One key reason for the prohibition is the concern over potential attacks by Islamist groups. “These celebrations have no connection with Islam,” a government official from the Ministry of Religious Affairs previously stated.
While open celebrations, such as those held in hotels or public spaces, are banned for Somali Muslims, foreigners are still allowed to observe the holiday privately in their homes.
Mogadishu Mayor Yusuf Hussein Jimale clarified that the restrictions apply to Muslims, not non-Muslim residents. “Non-Muslims are free to celebrate. We don’t force them,” Jimale said. He added that the measure aims to prevent potential militant attacks, particularly from the Al-Qaeda-linked group Al-Shabaab, on gatherings in public spaces.
2. North Korea
In North Korea, Christmas celebrations are forbidden under its rigid communist regime led by Kim Jong Un. The majority of North Koreans identify as agnostic or atheist, and religious activities are heavily monitored.
According to reports from Express, public Christmas celebrations have been banned since 1948 when the Kim dynasty began restricting religious freedoms.
Although North Korea’s constitution nominally provides for religious freedom, those caught participating in Christmas services or ceremonies risk imprisonment, torture, or even execution.
3. Brunei Darussalam
Brunei, a small Southeast Asian nation ruled by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, bans open Christmas celebrations. However, Christians are permitted to observe the holiday privately, provided they notify the authorities in advance.
The ban, enacted in 2014, stems from concerns that excessive Christmas celebrations could mislead Brunei’s Muslim population. Violating the law can result in severe penalties, including a fine of up to $18,000 or a prison sentence of up to five years.
4. Iran
In Iran, where the majority of the population is Muslim, public Christmas celebrations are prohibited. Activities such as displaying Christmas trees, decorating homes with festive ornaments, or wearing holiday attire are banned.
Violators risk fines or imprisonment. Nevertheless, Christians in Iran are allowed to celebrate privately within their homes or churches.
5. Tajikistan
Tajikistan’s government enforces a ban on public Christmas celebrations to maintain social and religious stability. The restrictions include prohibiting Christmas trees, decorations, and festive attire in public spaces.
Individuals who violate these regulations may face fines or imprisonment. Despite the ban, Christians in Tajikistan are still able to observe the holiday in private settings, such as their homes or churches.
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The ban is enforced as a measure to maintain social and religious stability in the country, specifically targeting public Christmas celebrations. Nevertheless, Christians in these countries are still allowed to observe Christmas in private spaces, such as homes or churches.
(Raidi/Agung)
