Changes

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, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_James_Cook Captain James Cook], visited Tonga. Describing the [[cultural]] [[practices]] of the Tongans, he wrote:

<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>

 

<center>and</center>

 

<center>When any [[thing]] is forbidden to be eaten, or made use of, they say, that it is taboo.</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

*2 a : banned on grounds of [[morality]] or taste <the subject is taboo>  

*2 a : banned on grounds of [[morality]] or taste <the subject is taboo>  

: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 [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.