An overview of prohibitions in the holiness code and taboos in Yoruba land

“Holiness Code”, a term used in biblical criticism in reference to Leviticus chapter 8:17 – 26, has been elaborately elucidated and discussed by critical biblical scholars. No attempt has however been made by these scholars to examine the prohibitions in the holiness code and their interrelatedness to prohibitions and taboos in Yoruba land. The focus of this study therefore is to discuss the relevance of prohibitions in the holiness code to taboos in Yoruba land. The findings of this works reveal that prohibitions and taboos are reflection of societal boundary lines, marking off the extent of acceptable behaviours. The work also reveals that prohibitions and taboos are established as a result of the need to sanitize the society and prevent cultural abuses. Being an historical study, the work employs historical method in its analysis. Since adherence to prohibitions and taboos can enhance societal growth and development, the work therefore recommends that taboo should be considered as part of societal culture and should be held in high esteem.