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Encyclopedia > Tapu

Tapu (or tabu) is a concept existing in many Polynesian societies, including traditional Hawaiian, Tongan, and Maori cultures. It reflects something that is holy or sacred.


In the Hawaiian belief system, everything starts out with tapu, but misdeeds make it lose its tapu. See: kapu.


In Maori and Tongan tradition, something that is tapu (Maori) or tabu (Tongan) is considered inviolable or sacrosanct due to its sacredness. Things or places which are tapu must be left alone, and may not be approached or interfered with. In some cases, they should not even be spoken of.


The English word “taboo” derives from this usage, and was adopted by Captain James Cook during his visit to Tonga in 1777.


  Results from FactBites:
 
Maori Culture (755 words)
Tapu was one of the strongest forces in Maori life and had numerous meanings and references.
A breach of "tapu" could incur the wrath of the Gods and death was the penalty for serious infringements of Tapu.
Tapu and noa remain part of Maori culture today, although people are not subject to the same tapu constraints as in previous times.
  More results at FactBites »


 

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