The Meiteis have been told by their forefathers what is ought to be done and what is not to be done. Gradually these become taboos. There are also cases where taboos originated out of fear. For instance, the intermarriage among the same Yek (clan) is not allowed and this is regarded as taboo. This may have been out of fear of the dominant or powerful king that the marriage alliance of might become a threat to its power. Instances were there that the Meetei kings instituted various taboos for their own benefits too.
During the reign of Maharaj Churachand Singh no women were permitted to untie the back knot of their hairs before him. They were also not allowed to enjoy the shade of an umbrella before him.
The Meiteis regard the menstrual period of women as inauspicious. During this period, the woman is regarded as untouchable. Physical intimacy or contact of man-woman is strictly prohibited. On the fifth day of the period, women need a clean bath with the washing of her head and thereafter, her normal life starts. Women are also prohibited from eating certain food items, particularly which are bitter and sour in taste. Social contact with a lady during child birth is a cultural taboo. She is kept in seclusion, aloof of the society for 12 days – the period being observed by the entire clan as Yum Mangba, which is considered as an inauspicious days during which no pujah (worships) of gods can be performed by the members of family and Sagei (clan), except on the sixth day after birth.
The husband, during the period of his wife’s pregnancy will not g for hunting or may not indulge in any act of violence. He should not share bed with his wife at the advanced stage of pregnancy too. It is believed that she should not see the Hindu gods and goddesses like Lord Jagathnath or Goddess Kali during pregnancy, for if she feels fear, she might deliver a deformed child. She should also abandon all types of twin fruits or vegetables. If she eats these food stuffs, it is believed she will have a twin baby.
During the reign of Maharaj Churachand Singh no women were permitted to untie the back knot of their hairs before him. They were also not allowed to enjoy the shade of an umbrella before him.
The Meiteis regard the menstrual period of women as inauspicious. During this period, the woman is regarded as untouchable. Physical intimacy or contact of man-woman is strictly prohibited. On the fifth day of the period, women need a clean bath with the washing of her head and thereafter, her normal life starts. Women are also prohibited from eating certain food items, particularly which are bitter and sour in taste. Social contact with a lady during child birth is a cultural taboo. She is kept in seclusion, aloof of the society for 12 days – the period being observed by the entire clan as Yum Mangba, which is considered as an inauspicious days during which no pujah (worships) of gods can be performed by the members of family and Sagei (clan), except on the sixth day after birth.
The husband, during the period of his wife’s pregnancy will not g for hunting or may not indulge in any act of violence. He should not share bed with his wife at the advanced stage of pregnancy too. It is believed that she should not see the Hindu gods and goddesses like Lord Jagathnath or Goddess Kali during pregnancy, for if she feels fear, she might deliver a deformed child. She should also abandon all types of twin fruits or vegetables. If she eats these food stuffs, it is believed she will have a twin baby.
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