The Cultural Significance of Taboo Expressions in Japanese Wedding Ceremonies: An Academic Exploration

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the taboo expressions in Japanese wedding ceremonies. Japanese people believe that some expressions/words are taboo when used in wedding ceremonies because these expressions/words are supposed to bring the wrong meaning to the ceremony. This study used descriptive qualitative research. Data was collected through literature and interview methods and analyzed using qualitative analysis techniques. The study shows that the way of thinking is based on the Kotodama belief that even a word has power, so avoid using bad words in the performance of traditional Japanese ceremonies. Phrases that are taboo in Japanese wedding ceremonies are not only words that mean separation, completion, breaking up, hate, and others but also the word reduplication, which means repeating itself. The expressions are Kiru 'to cut' - Owaru 'to finish' - Wari 'to break' - Shinu 'to die'. This is because Japanese people associate these words with a sign of separation or divorce from the bride and groom. The word reduplication is also taboo because the word is associated with repeated marriages (second or other marriages).