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− | [[File:lighterstill.jpg]][[File:Totem_taboo.jpg|right|frame]] | + | [[File:lighterstill.jpg]][[File:Occupywallstreetposter.jpg|right|frame]] |
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| ==Etymology== | | ==Etymology== |
− | *Date: [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/18th_Century 1777] | + | *Date: [https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/18th_Century 1777] |
| Common etymology traces '''taboo''' to the Tongan word tapu or the Fijian word tabu [[meaning]] "under prohibition", "not allowed", or "forbidden". In its current use in Tonga, the word tapu also means "[[sacred]]" or "[[holy]]", often in the sense of being restricted or protected by [[custom]] or [[law]]. In the main island of the Kingdom of Tonga, where the greater portion of the [[population]] reside within the capital Nuku'alofa, the word is often appended to the end of "Tonga", making the word "Tongatapu", where local use it as "Sacred South" rather than "forbidden south". | | Common etymology traces '''taboo''' to the Tongan word tapu or the Fijian word tabu [[meaning]] "under prohibition", "not allowed", or "forbidden". In its current use in Tonga, the word tapu also means "[[sacred]]" or "[[holy]]", often in the sense of being restricted or protected by [[custom]] or [[law]]. In the main island of the Kingdom of Tonga, where the greater portion of the [[population]] reside within the capital Nuku'alofa, the word is often appended to the end of "Tonga", making the word "Tongatapu", where local use it as "Sacred South" rather than "forbidden south". |
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− | The use of taboo in [[English]] dates back to 1777 when English explorer, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_James_Cook Captain James Cook], visited Tonga. Describing the [[cultural]] [[practices]] of the Tongans, he wrote: | + | The use of taboo in [[English]] dates back to 1777 when English explorer, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_James_Cook Captain James Cook], visited Tonga. Describing the [[cultural]] [[practices]] of the Tongans, he wrote: |
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− | <blockquote>Not one of them would sit down, or eat a bit of any [[thing]].... On [[expressing]] my [[surprise]] at this, they were all taboo, as they said; which [[word]] has a very comprehensive [[meaning]]; but, in general, signifies that a thing is forbidden.</blockquote> | + | <blockquote>Not one of them would sit down, or eat a bit of any [[thing]].... On [[expressing]] my [[surprise]] at this, they were all taboo, as they said; which [[word]] has a very comprehensive [[meaning]]; but, in general, signifies that a thing is forbidden and when any [[thing]] is forbidden to be eaten, or made use of, they say, that it is taboo</blockquote> |
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− | <center>and</center>
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− | <center>When any [[thing]] is forbidden to be eaten, or made use of, they say, that it is taboo.</center>
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| + | <center>For lesson on the related [[topic]]s of '''''[[Superstition]]''''', follow [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Superstition '''''this link'''''].</center> |
| ==Definitions== | | ==Definitions== |
| *1 : forbidden to profane use or contact because of what are held to be dangerous [[supernatural]] [[power]]s | | *1 : forbidden to profane use or contact because of what are held to be dangerous [[supernatural]] [[power]]s |
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| :b : banned as constituting a [[risk]] <the area beyond is taboo, still alive with explosives — Robert Leckie> | | :b : banned as constituting a [[risk]] <the area beyond is taboo, still alive with explosives — Robert Leckie> |
| ==Description== | | ==Description== |
− | A '''taboo''' is a strong social prohibition (or ban) relating to any area of [[human]] [[activity]] or social [[custom]] that is [[sacred]] and forbidden based on [[moral]] [[judgment]] and sometimes even [[religious]] [[beliefs]]. Breaking the taboo is usually considered objectionable or abhorrent by [[society]]. The term comes from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tongan_language Tongan] [[language]], and appears in many [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polynesian_culture Polynesian cultures]. In those [[cultures]], a tabu (or tapu or kapu) often has specific religious [[associations]]. When an [[activity]] or [[custom]] is taboo, it is forbidden and interdictions are implemented concerning it, such as the ground set apart as a [[sanctuary]] for criminals. Some taboo activities or customs are prohibited under [[law]] and transgressions may lead to severe penalties. Other taboos result in embarrassment, [[shame]], and rudeness. Although [[critics]] and/or dissenters may oppose taboos, they are put into place to avoid disrespect to any given [[authority]], be it [[legal]], [[moral]] and/or [[religious]]. An example of use in this [[context]] is: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incest Incest] is taboo. | + | A '''taboo''' is a strong social prohibition (or ban) relating to any area of [[human]] [[activity]] or social [[custom]] that is [[sacred]] and forbidden based on [[moral]] [[judgment]] and sometimes even [[religious]] [[beliefs]]. Breaking the taboo is usually considered objectionable or abhorrent by [[society]]. The term comes from the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tongan_language Tongan] [[language]], and appears in many [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polynesian_culture Polynesian cultures]. In those [[cultures]], a tabu (or tapu or kapu) often has specific religious [[associations]]. When an [[activity]] or [[custom]] is taboo, it is forbidden and interdictions are implemented concerning it, such as the ground set apart as a [[sanctuary]] for criminals. Some taboo activities or customs are prohibited under [[law]] and transgressions may lead to severe penalties. Other taboos result in embarrassment, [[shame]], and rudeness. Although [[critics]] and/or dissenters may oppose taboos, they are put into place to avoid disrespect to any given [[authority]], be it [[legal]], [[moral]] and/or [[religious]]. An example of use in this [[context]] is: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incest Incest] is taboo. |
| ==See also== | | ==See also== |
| + | *'''''[[89:1 The Taboo|The Taboo]]''''' |
| *'''''[[82:2 The Restrictive Taboos|The Restrictive Taboos]]''''' | | *'''''[[82:2 The Restrictive Taboos|The Restrictive Taboos]]''''' |
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