Different ethnic groups have different dietary taboos due to cultural, religious and regional differences. The following are some common animals that are not eaten due to religious or cultural factors:
Pig:
Both Islam and Judaism explicitly prohibit believers from eating pork. Muslims and Jews consider pigs to be unclean animals, so they are absolutely forbidden to eat them.
Cow:
Dogs:
In most Western countries and many Asian countries, dogs are considered pets or companion animals , so it is not eaten. Especially in European and American countries, eating dog meat is considered immoral or unacceptable behavior.
Horse:
In some countries, especially in Europe and America, horses are regarded as important working animals and companion animals, so many people abstain from eating horse meat. However, in some European countries such as France, horse meat is more common.
Rabbit:
Seafood (certain types):
Judaism stipulates that only fish with scales and fins are clean, and other fish such as shellfish, lobsters, crabs, etc. are prohibited from being eaten.
In Islam, some sects also have different taboos on seafood. Although most Muslims can eat fish, there are differences in their views on shellfish and crustaceans.
Cats:
Reptiles (such as snakes, lizards, etc.):
In many cultures, especially in the West, reptiles are viewed as exotic or unsuitable for consumption. However, in some Asian regions, such as China and Vietnam, certain reptiles are considered to have medicinal properties.
Monkeys:
In parts of Asia and Africa, there are cultural or medicinal reasons for eating monkeys, but in most other places, especially in Europe and America, monkeys are viewed as primates that are close to humans, and their consumption is widely prohibited and frowned upon.
Bear:
These taboo animals reflect the beliefs and living habits of different cultures. The food culture of each place is closely related to religion, environment, historical background, etc.
Which animals do the various ethnic groups in China not eat?
In China, due to the large number of ethnic groups, different ethnic groups have different taboos and traditions in diet. The following are some animals that China's major ethnic groups do not eat:
1. Muslim ethnic groups such as the Hui, Uyghur, and Kazakh
Pigs: These ethnic groups believe in Islam and strictly prohibit the consumption of pork and its products. Islam considers pigs to be unclean animals, so Muslims strictly prohibit pork in their diet.
Dogs, snakes, frogs, etc.: These animals are also not usually eaten by Muslim peoples because they are considered not to meet the Islamic clean standards (halal).
2. Tibetans
Fish: In the Tibetan food culture, many people do not eat fish. Tibetan Buddhist teachings emphasize not killing, especially in terms of aquatic life, and believe that eating fish will lead to the death of more lives.
Horses, donkeys, mules: Tibetans generally do not eat animals such as horses, donkeys, and mules. These animals are usually used for transportation and work and are regarded as partners and important production tools.
3. Mongolians
Dogs: Mongolians usually do not eat dog meat. Dogs are regarded as companions and protectors of herders in Mongolian culture, so eating dog meat is considered disrespectful.
Fish: Traditionally, Mongolians are nomadic and rarely catch aquatic organisms, so fish do not often appear in their diet, and there are even taboos in some areas.
4. Miao
5. Dai
Dogs and snakes: Dai people do not eat dog meat, nor do they like to eat snakes and other animals. This is related to their traditional beliefs and lifestyles.
Cows: Dai people in some areas abstain from eating beef due to religious beliefs, such as the influence of Theravada Buddhism. They believe that cows are important production tools and should not be slaughtered for consumption.
6. Manchu
7. Wa
Chicken: Some Wa villages have the habit of not eating chicken, especially during certain festivals or ceremonies, they will abstain from eating chicken, believing that chicken has special symbolic significance at these times.
8. Li
Turtle, Snake: In the Li area of Hainan, turtles and snakes are sometimes regarded as animals with gods, so some Li groups do not eat these animals.
9. Zhuang
The dietary taboos of various ethnic groups in China are often closely related to religion, belief, lifestyle and regional environment. These taboos not only reflect the cultural traditions of various ethnic groups, but also reflect their respect and awe for nature and animals.
Are there animals that cannot be eaten?
In human morality, ethics and religious concepts, there are indeed some animals that are considered absolutely inedible. The following are several types of animals that are generally considered inedible in human society:
1. Endangered animals
Endangered species such as giant pandas, tigers, rhinos, and turtles: These animals are strictly protected by laws and international conventions because of their scarcity and endangerment. Eating these animals is not only illegal, but also considered morally unacceptable.
2. Primates
Primates such as monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees: Primates have a very high genetic similarity to humans and are considered the species closest to humans. Due to their high intelligence and complex social structure, many human cultures and ethical norms consider it unethical to eat these animals. The laws of some countries and regions also prohibit the killing and eating of primates.
3. Pets
Dogs and cats: In many countries, especially in the West, dogs and cats are considered companion animals for humans, and eating them is considered unacceptable. In some countries, there are even laws against eating pet animals because of the special emotional role they play in human life.
4. Sacred Animals in Religious Taboos
Cows: In Hinduism, cows are considered sacred animals, and eating beef is widely prohibited among Hindus. Similarly, other religions such as Buddhism and Taoism also have taboos against certain animals, which are considered sacred or closely related to religious beliefs.
5. Animals with Intellectual or Emotional Complexity
Dolphins and Whales: Dolphins and some species of whales are known for their high intelligence and complex social behavior. Many animal rights groups believe that eating these animals is unethical, especially when they display emotions and cognitive abilities similar to humans. Although eating whales and dolphins is part of tradition in some cultures, this practice is gradually being criticized and resisted around the world.
6. Animals with high human health risks
Wild bats, pangolins, etc.: Certain animals, such as bats and pangolins, are believed to carryDeadly viruses or diseases, such as SARS, COVID-19, etc. Eating these animals is not only extremely risky to health, but may also cause a major public health crisis. Because these animals may spread zoonotic diseases, many countries prohibit the hunting and eating of these species.
7. Illegally and cruelly killed animals
Summary:
In modern society, ethical, moral, legal and religious factors have clear regulations and constraints on which animals to eat. Human society pays more and more attention to animal protection, ecological balance and respect for the value of life, so some animals are considered to be absolutely not to be used as food. These concepts are not only for the protection of animals, but also for the maintenance of the natural environment and the sustainable development of human beings themselves.
animal tags： Dog Bear Monkey cat Cow Rabbit Horse
