Taboo

Author: Wan Jianzhong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-02-01
Features: The term "taboo," universally referred to in international academia as "tabu," originates from the Polynesian languages of the central Pacific islands. It is transliterated into English as "Taboo" or "Tabu" and also transliterated into Chinese as "." It has now become a common term in anthropology and folklore. Polynesians believed in and worshipped a mysterious force called mana, believing that anything or anyone possessing mana was dangerous and unapproachable. Otherwise, they would face supernatural punitive consequences, ranging from endangering the individual to bringing calamity upon the entire nation. Taboos serve as a warning from the past to the present, filled with profound insights. As long as you are alive, you cannot be completely fearless. What are taboos? Learn about them from this book. The basic narrative model of taboos is to avoid doing certain things, otherwise, punishment will follow. This aligns closely with the concepts of good and evil retribution in folklore and the Buddhist notion of karma. Therefore, taboos are often used as tools for ethical education to enhance the deterrent effect against reckless behavior. Stories of children suffering "divine punishment" for doing "bad things" are often excellent teaching materials for parents to discipline their children.