Taboos exist at different levels in different cultures and societies and what is seen as a taboo in one community, may not necessarily be a taboo in the other.

Taboos may result in different things in different countries and the consequences usually depend on the particular community in question and the nature of the taboo.

See also

• Taboo Origins
• Examples of Taboos

The word taboo originates from the Tongan word which means something which is not allowed.

The use of the word and its presence in the English language is owed to English explorer Captain James Cook’s experiences in Tonga and his subsequent recounting of these same experiences including the different Tongan customs and their taboos which they called tapu when something was forbidden or not permitted.

It depends on the particular location or community involved but certain taboos are commonplace among a widespread spectrum of people regardless of their location and customs. Dietary restrictions are quite common in various religions and this includes Judaism and Islam, where you often hear references to diets which are kosher or halal diets depending on the religion.

Restrictions also exist on a variety of different activities as well which may include activities which are of a sexual or romantic nature and this practice is quite common in a number of different customs. Taboos may also exist on the use of illegal drugs or mind altering substances, taboos also tend to exist in the use of words and obscene language though the actual sort of language varies accordingly.