Animism is a word that is often associated with Africa and is often called a religion
and even the world’s oldest religion.
This shows actually shows misunderstandings about what animism is – so let’s look
into it, and see what animism actually is.
Animism can still be found today throughout the whole world, from the jungles of South
America and Africa to even modern cities like New York.
But not necessarily in the way you might think…
The word Animism comes from the Latin anima, "breath, spirit, life"
And simply put, animism is the belief that objects, places and creatures can all possess
a distinct spiritual essence.
And that potentially, animism perceives all things—animals, plants, rocks, rivers, weather
systems, human handiwork and perhaps even words—as animated and alive.
Animism is occasionally called a religion, but one of the definitions of religion is:
a particular system of faith and worship.
This means that animism itself is not a religion as stated by Wikipedia, as a vague understanding
that everything has a spirit, or a spiritual essence is more of a way to view the world
rather than a doctrine.
But religions can be animistic and animistic faiths are some of the oldest religions and
beliefs in the world – with anthropologists dating animism back to the Palaeolithic Age.
An example of a faith with animistic roots is the Japanese’s Shinto folk religion.
In fact this concept of animism sometimes effects how some Japanese people view objects,
for instance cars.
A famous story tells how in the 70s, when American companies like ford where trying
to sell cars in japan, and despite their best efforts they struggled to sell any.
When investigating why their cars were not selling well it was found out that one reason
was the cars “looked sad” because of their design.
Summarize: Animism comes from the Latin word for breath,
which also is used to mean life or sprit Animism is not a necessarily religion, but
rather a component of religions Animistic religions are some of the oldest
in the world Hope you enjoyed this short video, and if
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you guys.