Animism
Animism
Animism (/ˈænɪˌmɪzəm/; from Latin: anima, 'breath, spirit, life') is the belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence. Potentially, animism perceives all things—animals, plants, rocks, rivers, weather systems, human handiwork, and perhaps even words—as animated and alive.
Etymology
The term animism is derived from the Latin word 'anima', meaning 'breath, spirit, life'. The term was first used in the context of anthropological studies by Sir Edward Burnett Tylor in his 1871 book "Primitive Culture".
Related Terms
- Anthropomorphism: The attribution of human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities.
- Pantheism: The belief that the universe (or nature as the totality of everything) is identical with divinity.
- Totemism: A belief in totems or natural objects that have spiritual significance.
- Shamanism: A practice that involves a practitioner reaching altered states of consciousness in order to perceive and interact with a spirit world.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Animism
- Wikipedia's article - Animism
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