TABOOS – THEIR ROLES AS INSTRUMENTS OF INSTRUCTION, PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF BIOTIC ELEMENTS

Abstract

Taboos are oral instructions passed from one generation to another to maintain peace, order and well-being in the societies. Taboos are constraints, restrictions and "do nots" with consequences placed on a group of people bound by culture for their well-being. Taboos vary from one area to another. The review of literature, on which this paper is based, follows generic and interactive steps described by Templier and Paré (2015) which include formulating the research objectives; searching for literature; screening for inclusion and exclusion; assessing the studies; extracting and analyzing data. Search was conducted within online databases. The paper examines taboos associated with humans, plants, animals, the environment and scientific concepts associated with them. The review showed that in societies traditional taboos have long served as informal yet effective mechanisms for environmental conservation, biotic protection and preservation. By restricting activities such as the felling of sacred trees and certain social behaviors, these taboos have contributed to biodiversity preservation and community well-being. As modernization influences cultural practices, providing logical and scientific explanations for these taboos becomes essential. Such contextualization can aid younger generations in understanding and valuing these traditions, ensuring their continued relevance in contemporary society.