tabooIf a symbol is a sign that communicates meaning, it also possesses a
double intentionality, according to Ricoeur. The first kind is the literal
sense that refers to something beyond itself as with defilement, for
instance, and its sense of stain. This literal meaning points towards a
second intentionality as when the notion of stain refers to an existential
situation that is directly associated with being defiled or impure. This
suggests that the literal meaning “stain” is opaque because it points ana-
logically to a second meaning. Thus, by living in the literal meaning, a
person is lead to the symbolic meaning in which that person lives and
participates. Since the symbol is the very movements of the primary
meaning, it enables a person to share in its hidden meaning.Further reading: Eliade (1963); Ricoeur (1967)TABOO
Taboo refers to that which is forbidden. It can be traced to the Tongan
language of Polynesian culture and the term tapu, or the Fijian word
tabu, meaning prohibited, not allowed, or forbidden. It is closely associ-
ated with what is sacred and is surrounded by custom and law. Taboos
include certain dietary restrictions (vegetarianism in Hinduism and
Buddhism, non-consumption of pork products in Judaism and Islam),
sexual restrictions (prohibitions against adultery, homosexuality, incest,
or sex with children, animals, or the dead), bodily restrictions (prohibi-
tions against taking certain drugs, spitting, flatulence, burping), and
taboos associated with abusive language, death, and dress. The Eskimo,
for instance, observe taboos associated with food whereby one does not
mix caribous and seal meat because hunting the former is a summer
activity and hunting the seals takes place in the winter. Just as eating their
meat together is forbidden, so is the wearing of clothing made from the
skins of these animals at the same time also prohibited.
Further reading: Lévi-Strauss (1962); Turner (1975); Wagner (1972); Webster (1942)THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES
Various religions use theatrical performances to convey their message by
re-enacting narratives from their tradition for a public audience. From