Taboo -- Colorful Illustrations of Chinese Folk Culture

Author: Hongyu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Taboos are a social phenomenon that originated in the early stages of primitive society and have accompanied human development to this day. They permeate the entire history of human society. In Chinese folklore, taboos serve as a powerful constraint for maintaining social stability and are intertwined with people's various activities. "I was born in the wilderness and am unfamiliar with taboos," as recorded in the Book of the Later Han·Lang Kai, showing that the practice of taboos was already prevalent during the Han Dynasty and was documented in classical texts. "Desire arises from excess, and evil arises from lack of prohibition," "Do not enter unoccupied rooms or pass through unoccupied gates"—these are taboos related to visiting relatives and friends. "Don't make noise or run while eating," refers to taboos about dining. "Men should not expose their navels, and women should not expose their skin"—this speaks of taboos related to clothing. "Rain hitting a coffin lid means future generations will have no blankets to cover themselves with"—this is a taboo related to funerals. "A daughter watching her natal family's lanterns means her family will be so poor it will be hard to hammer nails," and countless proverbs and sayings about things to avoid. Many taboos may seem absurd at first glance, but upon closer reflection, they may not be entirely without reason. They represent a unique form of folk self-ethical and moral education.