Ex-Soviet state Tajikistan bans Christmas Celebrations – TheLiberal.ie – Our News, Your Views

Ex-Soviet state Tajikistan bans Christmas Celebrations




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Tajikistan has banned Christmas trees and gift-giving in schools this year. The education ministry has issued a decree banning “the use of fireworks, festive meals, gift-giving and raising money” for New Year celebrations as well as “the installation of a Christmas tree either living (felled wood) or artificial” in schools and universities.

Located in Central Asia, the country is predominantly Muslim. The restrictions are the strongest to have been imposed since the collapse of the USSR in 1991. The country is known for its lack of tolerance of Christmas, last year Russia’s version of Santa, Ded Moroz was banned.

 

The republic is agreeing to a tree in a square in its capital, Dushanbe, but it will not remain there for long. Tajikistan is divided over Christian views and secular views. In 2011 a man dressed as Santa was stabbed to death on New Year’s Eve. The government is also opposed to Halloween. Fancy dress zombies and vampires were reportedly detained by police in 2013 and 2014.

 

 

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