Taboo is an action or idea which is socially or religiously forbidden or restricted. It is a polysemic word which is most often used to describe something which is deemed sacred by a particular culture or society.
For example, you might find that a particular tribe in the Amazon bans the eating of certain animals as part of their culture and this would be considered a taboo.
Other examples of taboo behavior include incest, stealing, or speaking ill of the deceased. In some cultures, certain actions such as witchcraft or sorcery may also be considered taboo, as can the use of certain language.
There are also taboos which are specific to certain religions, such as not eating pork in the Muslim faith.
In general, taboos are a way to maintain social order and help prevent people from entering into activities or engaging in behavior which could have negative effects on their culture or society.
What is an example of a taboo?
Taboos are social or religious prohibitions against certain behaviors, activities or ideas that are deemed unacceptable by a religion or social group. Examples of taboos vary greatly between cultures, but generally taboo topics include incest, polygamy, eating of certain animals, cannibalism, adultery and blasphemy.
In some cultures, adopting a different faith may be taboo as well. Other taboos might include urinating or defecating in public, asking personal questions and refusing to help out in the community. Taboos are often enforced through social pressure, with those who break them often suffering negative consequences.
What are some cultural taboos?
Cultural taboos are a range of behaviors and topics that are typically seen as too sensitive to discuss in public or that are forbidden by social custom. Even though cultural taboos vary from society to society, some common examples include discussing topics such as death, sex, money, and politics, as well as behaviors such as public displays of affection, bodily flatulence and belching, public urination, and picking your nose.
In some cultures, it’s considered taboo to refuse food that is offered to you or to give someone your left-hand if you’re shaking their right hand. In some Asian cultures, the head is seen as sacred and therefore touching someone else’s head is seen as offensive.
In the Jewish culture, it’s a taboo to write down the name of God, while in Islamic culture it’s forbidden to consume pork or alcohol and disrespectful to criticize religion or satirize Islamic symbols.
Gestures are also seen as taboos, depending on the culture. For example, in some Latin and South American countries, the “OK” gesture – where you form a circle with your thumb and index finger – is seen as an insult and can be taken as extremely offensive.
Similarly in Japan, displaying the ‘V’ sign with the palm facing outward considered an insult.
Generally, the most important piece of advice to remember is to be respectful of different cultures when travelling and learn as much about cultural taboos for the particular region.
What is taboo in simple words?
Taboo is an activity or topic that is forbidden or not allowed to be discussed in a particular society or culture. It can refer to religious and cultural customs, as well as moral and ethical beliefs.
Taboos often involve topics related to death, sex, and sexuality, as well as violence, superstition, and profanity. They can also include concepts of honor and respect for certain people or activities.
Taboos vary across cultures, and the activities or topics that are taboo in one may be completely acceptable in another. Taboos are often set in place to protect people and certain cultural values, and in many cases, not following the principle of a taboo can result in punishment or social exclusion.
Are all taboos universal?
No, taboos are not universally accepted. While taboos may exist as unwritten rules in every society, the specific values and behaviors that are considered taboo or forbidden can vary greatly from one culture to another, even within the same geographical region.
For example, religious taboos may be considered unacceptable in one culture, but widely accepted in another. What’s more, taboos can also change over time, even within the same society, as values and behaviors evolve.
So, while all societies may have some form of taboos, they are not universal.
