Animism facts for kids
Animism is a belief system found in many different religions and philosophies around the world. It is the idea that everything in nature, including animals, plants, and even objects like mountains and rivers, has a spirit or soul. People who believe in animism often think that these spirits can affect the world and human lives.
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What is Animism?
Animism suggests that there are spiritual beings everywhere. This means that not just living things, but also natural events like the wind and rain, or places like a special rock or a forest, can have their own spirits. These spirits are often seen as having their own personalities and powers.
Spirits in Nature
In animistic beliefs, the natural world is full of life and spiritual energy. A tree might have a spirit that protects the forest. A river could have a spirit that brings water and life. People might show respect to these spirits through rituals or offerings. This helps them feel connected to the world around them.
Ancient Beliefs
Animism is one of the oldest forms of human belief. It was common in many early societies. It helped people understand the world before modern science. They used these beliefs to explain things like why the sun rises or why storms happen. Many indigenous cultures around the globe still practice forms of animism today.
Animism Today
While often associated with ancient cultures, animistic ideas are still part of many modern religions. For example, some parts of Shinto in Japan have animistic elements, where natural features like mountains and waterfalls are considered sacred. Many traditional African religions also include strong animistic beliefs.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Edward Tylor developed animism as an anthropological theory.
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Five Ojibwe chiefs in the 19th century; it was anthropological studies of Ojibwe religion that resulted in the development of the "new animism".
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Animist altar, Bozo village, Mopti, Bandiagara, Mali, in 1972
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A tableau presenting figures of various cultures filling in mediator-like roles, often being termed as "shaman" in the literature.
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Sculpture of the Buddha meditating under the Maha Bodhi Tree of Bodh Gaya in India.
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During Vat Purnima festival married women tying threads around a banyan tree in India.
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A 1922 photograph of an Itneg priestess in the Philippines making an offering to an apdel, a guardian anito spirit of her village that reside in the water-worn stones known as pinaing.
See also
In Spanish: Animismo para niños
