Taboo

Taboo is a prohibition or restriction maintained by a society on actions, words, objects, or topics deemed sacred, dangerous, or improper. Taboos are culturally specific and can regulate behavior, language, diet, sexuality, ritual, and social interaction. Violations often invite sanctions ranging from social disapproval to legal punishment.

Etymology: The term derives from the Polynesian tabu (or tapu), meaning forbidden or sacred; it entered English in the 18th century via explorers such as Captain James Cook. In anthropology, taboos are used to study how societies separate the sacred from the profane and maintain order.

Types include moral taboos (incest, murder), ritual or purity taboos (rules governing sacred spaces or objects), sexual taboos (varying by culture), dietary taboos (foods restricted for religious or cultural reasons), and language taboos (prohibited terms or topics in certain settings).

Functions and enforcement: Taboos define group boundaries, protect valued norms, and help regulate risk and trust. They are reinforced by informal sanctions, religious authorities, or law, and can change over time as cultures evolve or interact.

Variation and study: Although many societies have taboos related to death, sexuality, or sacred objects, specifics differ widely. Scholars view taboos as tools for social regulation, symbolic meaning, and power dynamics within cultures.