Bizarre Taboos Practiced by Indigenous Tribes in Mesoamerica

When we think about indigenous tribes in Mesoamerica, we often associate them with their unique cultural practices and traditions. Among these practices, there are some truly bizarre taboos that have been followed by these tribes for centuries.

Taboo #1: Eating Certain Animals

One of the most intriguing taboos is related to the consumption of certain animals. For instance, the Nahua tribes in Mexico strictly prohibit the consumption of armadillos, as they believe it can bring bad luck and disease. In contrast, the Chontal Maya people consider eating iguanas to be a taboo, mainly because they are associated with evil spirits.

Taboo #2: Speaking Certain Words

Language taboos are also prevalent in Mesoamerican tribes. The Tarahumara tribe in Mexico holds a taboo against speaking the names of deceased individuals, believing that it can summon their spirits. Similarly, the Q'anjob'al Maya people avoid uttering the word for snake, as they believe it could attract these reptiles into their homes.

Taboo #3: Contact with Menstruating Women

Among some tribes, there are strict rules regarding menstruating women. The Tzotzil Maya tribe, for example, prohibits contact with menstruating women, as they consider them to be spiritually impure during this time. This taboo extends to not allowing them inside certain sacred areas.

These examples only scratch the surface of the numerous, peculiar taboos that indigenous tribes in Mesoamerica follow. They reflect the deep-rooted beliefs and traditions that shape the rich cultural heritage of these native peoples.