Taboo: Meaning, Examples and Types of Taboos
Taboo, alternatively called tabu, tapu or Tongan. It is a prohibition of social actions based on false beliefs that performing such actions is either too scared, or too dangerous for the human race. Disregarding taboo is generally considered a deviant act by the society. Taboo is putting a person or a thing under temporary or permanent prohibition, especially as a social custom.
There are different theories of approaches to this concept. The religious approach focuses on taboo derived from belief in spirit and inspired by the awe of supernatural. The cultural taboo demands prohibition of various cultural laws which are forbidden in different cultures. The food and drink taboo demands prohibition of various food and drinks by the society. The power of it lies primarily in the emotional forces they exude. Even the thought of violating a taboo triggers a punishment.
Religious, social, cultural taboo is practiced in every part of the world.For example, The practice of Sati was a taboo.
In Tanzania, customary marine tenure takes the form of restrictions of fishers on the fishing grounds and guarding. Fourteen forms of taboos and beliefs that inadvertently protect fish stocks and consequently protect fishing habitats have been identified in Tanzania. They are:-
Dietary restrictions
Restriction on fishing before bathing after sex
Restriction on fishing for a menstruating woman
Restriction on fishing during strong winds and heavy rains
Lost fishers during fishing
Death events
Mentioning names of terrestrial animals
Alcohol consumption
Festivals and special day
Meeting with one person
Fishing without success
Receiving payment for fish in advance
Fabricating of fishing vessels and gears
Impurity of fishing vessels and gears