What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
“No one who has been emasculated by crushing or cutting may enter the assembly of the LORD,” reads Deuteronomy 23:2.
Cross-breeding animals, planting two seeds in the same field, and mixing two types of fabric—all are forbidden by the Bible. “Keep my decrees. Do not mate different kinds of animals. Do not plant your field with two kinds of seed. Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material,” reads Leviticus 19:19.
“Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law,” reads 1 Corinthians 14:34.
…and we mean not engaging in any activities pointed out by Exodus 20:10. Remember that on the Sabbath, “you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.”
Corinthians 11:4-6 explains: “Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.”
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See also: The most disturbing parts of the Bible
So, if you’re a man, you should not pray with your hair covered, but if you’re a woman, you most definitely should. If a woman does so, she might as well have her hair cut off…though this is even worse. Confused yet?
It turns out men shouldn’t shave their beards, nor cut their hair (but then, it might just be a round haircut that’s forbidden). Leviticus 19:27 reads: “Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.”
Mark 10:11-12 is pretty clear about this. “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.”
Eating snails is not for everyone, but it’s part of many countries’ culinary traditions. The Bible, though, doesn’t advocate its consumption. Leviticus 11:41 points out that "these also shall be unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth."
Yes, according to the Bible you should not wear these. Leviticus 10:6 reads: "Do not tear your clothes, or you will die and the Lord will be angry with the whole community."
1 Timothy 2:9 is pretty clear when it comes to how women should present themselves. "I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes."
Next time you think about engaging in gossip, remember what the Bible says about it: "Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate," (Psalm 101:5).
Sure, many of us like to eat and have a drink or two, and so did people in biblical times. The problem is when we hang out with people who are prone to excess, and we end up following their steps. “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags," reads Proverbs 23:20-21.
Perhaps one of the most controversial parts of the Bible, both men and women are forbidden from having romantic relationships with the same sex. This is mentioned in Leviticus 18:22, which reads: "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination."
Leviticus 20:13 also mentions it: “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them."
Tattoos are pretty common in this day and age, but back in biblical times, they were a no-no. "You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks upon you," reads Leviticus 19:28.
Not great news for bacon lovers, but the Bible is pretty explicit when it comes to consuming pork. Leviticus 11:7-8 states: "The pig, though it has a split hoof completely divided, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you.”
The Bible stresses that we should pay attention to the words we profess. Be grateful and don’t swear seems to be the way to go according to the Bible. "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving," reads Ephesians 5:4.
While we’re on the topic of watching our mouths, let’s not even think about cursing our parents. Because according to Exodus 21:17, “Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.”
While having sex with our spouse is fine, doing so on our own is not advocated by the Bible. 1 Corinthians 6:18 reads: "Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body."
Deuteronomy 22:9-11 also mentions this, and goes into specific animals and fabrics. “You shall not sow your vineyard with two kinds of seed, lest the whole yield be forfeited, the crop that you have sown and the yield of the vineyard. You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together. You shall not wear cloth of wool and linen mixed together."
Getting even is not something advocated by the Bible. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 mentions this. "See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone."
Perhaps not the most surprising item on this list, but one that needs to be mentioned nonetheless. 1 Corinthians 7:1-5 is pretty clear when it says that “each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband.” The passage actually encourages the couple to not deprive each other from sex, so that they won’t be tempted by Satan.
And if you thought you would be laughing at pork-eaters while you indulge in lobster and shrimp, we have bad news for you. Leviticus 11:10 is pretty clear about these animals as well. "But all creatures in the seas or streams that do not have fins and scales—whether among all the swarming things or among all the other living creatures in the water—you are to regard as unclean."
“If two men are fighting and the wife of one of them comes to rescue her husband from his assailant, and she reaches out and seizes him by his private parts, you shall cut off her hand. Show her no pity.” (Deuteronomy 25:11-19)
As for consulting a fortune-teller, remember the words in Leviticus 19:31: “‘Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.”
Many of us are familiar with the Ten Commandments. God told Moses that humankind may not steal, kill, or commit adultery, among other directives.
But these are just some of the actions prohibited by the Bible, and many others can be found in the Christian holy book. In this gallery, we bring you some of the most interesting ones. Click on to discover them.
Unexpected things the Bible forbids
Ripped jeans? Straight to hell!
LIFESTYLE Religion
Many of us are familiar with the Ten Commandments. God told Moses that humankind may not steal, kill, or commit adultery, among other directives.
But these are just some of the actions prohibited by the Bible, and many others can be found in the Christian holy book. In this gallery, we bring you some of the most interesting ones. Click on to discover them.