Here’s why North Koreans will not laugh for another 11 days starting from December 17

The citizens in North Korea will not laugh, drink alcohol or go out for any shopping for another 11 days starting from December 17. This sounds quite strange but it is true if one believes by the reports published in a section of the international media.

What is surprising is that the ban on all these activities is under a government order which has been issued to mourn for 11 days. The purpose of the mourning is to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the former leader and Kim Jong Un’s father, Kim Jong-il.

During these 11 days, no North Korean citizen will indulge in any of the leisure activities that involve cracking a joke, having fun at public places, enjoying a laugh or drinking at any pub or bar anywhere in the country.

According to the reports, during the mourning period, people have to exercise various other restraints as well. For instance, if any family member dies during these periods, the other members are not allowed to cry out loudly as this is considered a violation of the mourning period. Even the body of the deceased person cannot be taken out unless the mourning period gets over.

Reports also say that birthday celebrations are also prohibited during these periods. They have to wait for the mourning period to pass for the celebrations.

Kim Jong-il was the second of the Kim family dynasty and he ruled North Korea for 17 years. He died on December 17, 2011, and, media reports say that his death was not reported for two days.