Abstract: The study is devoted to a specific genre of folklore which is called in Mari ‘taboos or bans’. The researcher’s describe language peculiarities, meanings of taboos; compare them with other folklore texts. Taboos go back to ancient pagan conceptions of the Maris; objects of worship appeared in the era of tribal cults and a certain system of beliefs and view had developed in relation to them. Taboos in Mari folklore texts are characterized by strict lines of composition, their briefness provide their availability and durability. Mari taboos include restrictionson different spheres of life. Examples of taboos are found in fairy tales, songs and legends. The function of bans is to emphasize respect to the objects of worship to prevent doing something which is against norms.