What is a taboo? Imagine that these are invisible rules that society has created to determine what can be done or said, and what is better left unsaid. Historically, this word came from the Polynesian islands and meant something that is better to avoid because it is considered “forbidden” or “sacred.” That is, a taboo is something that is not discussed or done for various reasons: due to traditions, religion, or simply because it is customary in a certain culture.
For example, in some cultures it is very undesirable to eat certain types of meat, while in others it is not appropriate to talk about topics related to certain aspects of life, such as death or money. In everyday life, taboos can look like avoiding conversations about personal finances during lunch or the unacceptability of eating with hands in a restaurant.
So, taboos are like rules that help us live together, even if we are not always aware of them. Regardless, they influence what we do and how we behave.
