Website design By BotEap.comTaboo is a prohibited activity, something that is not allowed, something that is against social approval and is not allowed by the rules of conduct. They are complete restrictions or prohibitions to say or do something. It deals with the social and cultural aspects of life. Manipur society is rich in taboos which makes people very civilized since time immemorial. It is also for the preservation of culture and traditions.

Website design By BotEap.comAll the social and religious activities of our society are not only based on supernatural beliefs and universal principles. They always follow some ethical code of conduct. They are also regulated by a certain social containment that supposes a kind of socio-religious sanctity. There is no control over the human mind and the actions that stem from it. Therefore, socio-religious restrictions must be given a religious coating. We are forced to believe that the supernatural force above us always watches over us and those who break the rules are punished by supernatural beings. This system operates in society in the form of “Taboo”.

Website design By BotEap.comThere are two aspects of taboos in Manipur: the cultural taboo (don’t do) and the linguistic taboo (don’t say). The Meetei aim for the best form of society in which slight defects are eliminated as much as possible, introducing or substituting words that in their composition include almost slang-like pronunciation. Taboos are not a curse but a blessing to Meetei society. Without such restrictions and prohibitions, society could be a place of cannibalism, barbaric and unsafe. Social order, peace and harmony between people are directly or indirectly related to social taboos. It also shares the foundation of morality, ethics, and character building, which are essential for human civilization.

Website design By BotEap.comThe Meeteis have been told by their ancestors what to do and what not to do. Gradually these become taboo. There are also cases where taboos originated from fear. For example, intermarriage between the same Yek (clan) is not allowed and this is considered taboo. This may have been out of fear for the dominant or powerful king that the marriage alliance might become a threat to his power. There were instances where Meetei kings also instituted various taboos for their own benefits.

Website design By BotEap.comDuring the reign of Maharaj Chura Chand Singh, no woman was allowed to untie her hair in front of him. They were also not allowed to enjoy the shade of an umbrella in front of him.

Website design By BotEap.comThe Meeteis consider women’s menstrual period to be inauspicious. During this period, the woman is considered untouchable. Physical intimacy or male-female contact is strictly prohibited. On the fifth day of the period, the woman needs a clean bath with head washing, and from then on, she begins her normal life. Women are also prohibited from eating certain foods, particularly those that taste bitter and sour. Social contact with a lady during labor is a cultural taboo. She is kept in seclusion, outside of society for 12 days; the period is observed by the entire clan as Yum Mangba, which is considered an inauspicious day during which family members are not allowed to perform pujah (worship) of gods. and Sagei (clan), except the sixth day after birth.

Website design By BotEap.comThe husband, during the period of his wife’s pregnancy, may not engage in hunting or any act of violence. He, too, must not share a bed with his wife late in pregnancy. It is believed that she should not see Hindu gods and goddesses like Lord Jagathnath or Goddess Kali during pregnancy, as if she is afraid, she may give birth to a deformed child. He should also give up all kinds of twin fruits or vegetables. If he eats these foods, it is believed that he will have a twin baby.

Website design By BotEap.comSharing the same plate for any type of meal between husband and wife is also a cultural taboo. Touching or wearing Phanek from his wife or women other than his mother is also taboo. If you do, you are seen as a domineering husband and an unfortunate face in society. He will bring bad omens to the society.

Website design By BotEap.comPeople cannot eat food according to their clans. Angom clan must stop eating Mairen Angouba (white gourd), Mangang clan must get rid of Ngaril (eel). If these are taken, it would cause allergy, immunity or tooth loss etc.

Website design By BotEap.comYuhar haba (earthquake) is believed to be the mark of God’s punishment for outrage towards humanity. During the shaking of the earth, men or women, old or young, will pronounce the word “chak-nga” (rice-fish), which means that everything except food (rice and fish) can be destroyed, indicating the basic need of man as food.

Website design By BotEap.comPotsem Jadoo is one of the black arts practiced in Manipur. It is mainly based on common beliefs. The person who is willing to hurt an enemy makes a wax effigy, adds some more ingredients and recites mantras (hymns). Someone may adopt a different system. The enemy falls under the spell of the black art and is easily controllable. This is done with the help of goblins, ghosts or spirits. Sometimes this system is also adopted by maiba (local doctor) to treat or cure physical or mental ailments. Hingchabi changba (in which a person is possessed by evil spirits) is also cured by a process of lai khurumba (a pujah), whereby the maiba tried to please the evil spirits.

Website design By BotEap.comThe Meetei cannot completely abandon the old belief, which someone may even call superstition. Even today, by the process of Nong Kouba (invitation to rain), heavy rains can be caused. The Nong Kouba ceremony is to invite rain and is performed when there is a shortage of rain or drought. The people will sing together aloud a particular hymn in rhythm.

Website design By BotEap.comIn ancient times, if a man takes the oath by the name of a deity, it cannot go unfulfilled. Such broken oaths are considered washak namungba (oath breaking). Meeteis are very afraid of the effects that may follow after breaking the oath.

Website design By BotEap.comAfter returning from a long journey, a person has to expose himself to the fire, spreading rice in front of him. It is forbidden to freely throw cut nails in the open. He must be kept underground, to prevent the birds from carrying away the bits of nails. Meetei believed that a bird like an owl could bring these nails to Yumraj (Lord of Death) and the person could die.

Website design By BotEap.comPeople would show regret by touching their forehead with their hands after touching the other person they accidentally touched with their feet. One must remove one’s shoes before entering another person’s house. While eating outside the house, some food should be offered on a leave, which is for the demigods around us.

Website design By BotEap.comThe Meeteis are restricted to cutting bamboo on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. In the same way, it is also not allowed to cut hair or nails on the three days of the week mentioned above, as well as on the particular days of a person’s birth.

Website design By BotEap.comWhen leaving for a mission or work, the word “Ei Chatle” (I’m going) is not used. Instead, “Ei Chatlukhige” is used. Ei Chatle means left for the heavenly abode (death). At that time, when a man leaves his home for a trip, the pronunciation of the word “Houdong” (cat) is prohibited and is considered a bad omen. One should use Yumleima (lady of the family) instead. Words like Kei (tiger) are taboo at night. By mistake, if people used it, they were afraid that a tiger would come out of the jungles. Therefore, they used “Ibudhou” (grandfather) to mean tiger at night.

Website design By BotEap.comThus, the horizon of human language expands day by day on the impact of the taboo. In the process of searching for words or phrases to denote taboo words, many new words and phrases are invented. Nasty slang words are replaced with beautiful new words. Consequently, today there is a good contribution of new words or phrases to the rich literary wealth of our society.