When it comes to superstitions, it’s understandable why women aren’t allowed to enter certain places, particularly temples, but how would you feel if you were barred from entering these places that are only open to men because they are sacred, or to honour the war, or to avoid anything that could lead to sex? Hmm, simply weird but it is what is right?
Okinoshima Island (Japan)
Women are not permitted to visit Okinoshima Island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surprisingly, just 200 people are authorised to enter on May 27 each year. This is because the entry on this day commemorates the war that happened in the region surrounding the island. Male visitors to the island are expected to partake in a ceremony in which they bathe naked before going to other parts of the island.
Athos Mountains (Greece)
This hilly location, which has been around for over 1000 years, is solely accessible to priests for training. For the record, this ritual is still carried out to remember the appearance of the Virgin Mary, who converted the area to the Christian Orthodox faith. And Mary was the only lady who had ever set foot there. This mountain is known as “Agion Oros,” and it is a holy mountain that women are not permitted to visit. Women are only permitted to be 500 metres away from the mountain.
Sabarimala Temple (India)
The Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, India, has been designated as a no-go zone for pregnant women. In 2018, the Indian Supreme Court removed the prohibition, allowing Hindus of both genders to access the temple. The Kerala government then stated at the end of 2019 that women will no longer be permitted to attend the Sabarimala Temple.
Mount Omine (Japan)
Mount Omine, as you are aware, is a sacred site for practitioners of Shugendo, an ancient religion practised by a Japanese minority group. Only men were permitted to ascend this peak for about 1300 years, beginning in the 7th century. The idea is to stay away from everything that may lead to sex.
Herbertstrasse Alley (Germany)
by Business Standard
Herbertstrasse Alley in Germany, which has its unique history, forbids women from entering owing to prostitution. At the same time, this alley was utilised as hiding for Nazi forces, who opted to construct a fence around it. Despite the fact that it has been dismantled multiple times by German activists, the barriers remain in place and women are still forbidden from entering.
Pictures by Greeka, Atlas Obscura, Japan Visitor, CNN, Business Standard & Conde Nast Traveler
by Atlas Obscura