Symbols & Taboo

Symbol Defined (1 of 2)
• An object, gesture, word
or other representation to
which an arbitrary shared
meaning is given.
• A religious system may be
viewed as a ‘cluster of
sacred symbols’ -Geertz
Hecate represents the darkness and the
terrors of the night.
Symbol Defined (2 of 2)
• Minimally, a symbol is thought of
as something that represents
something else.
• Symbols provide people with an
emotional and intellectual
commitment to their belief
system.
• Religious symbols are often
considered to possess a power or
force (mana).
Ishtar (Assyrian/Mesopotamian)- Perpetual Virgin.
Morning Star - war, Evening Star -love & sensual
pleasure.
Symbols Function to...
A society keeps its value system
through the use of symbols.
Symbols stand for revered values.
Without symbols, values and by
extension, society’s existence is
threatened. -Durkheim
-
Quan Yin - China - Mother/protectress Goddess.
Taboo Defined
A sacred prohibition put
upon certain people,
things, or acts that make
them untouchable,
unmentionable, and so
on.
Function of Taboos
Taboos restrict actions.
Every society has
restrictions that limit
behavior, usually in
association with sex, food,
rites of passage, sacred
objects, and sacred people.
Punishments, Incest & New Taboos
• Most taboos are reinforced by the
threat of punishments meted out
by supernatural forces.
• Incest Taboos are found in almost
all societies.
• All societies will continue to
establish new taboos as new
threats to existence or social
stability arise.
 Symbols & Taboo Summary
Symbols minimally Taboos are sacred
represent something prohibitions put upon
else. certain people, things
or acts that make
them untouchable or
unmentionable.