Animism
Hi guys,
Today I have decided to cover something called Animism. Strictly speaking, the practice of Animism would be considered a closed practice, as it is practiced by Native American tribes. However, a variety of different and sometimes contrasting religions across the globe have been labelled as Animist, so it is not classed as a single religious practice, but more of a category to which several various traditions seem to belong.
It is a practice still continued by many traditional societies worldwide.
It is one of the oldest belief systems in the world (apparently even pre-dating Paganism), and I often wonder (as I have that kind of brain) if this system has lead to many of the deities that exist worldwide.
Bear with me as I get there!
General.
Animism is, basically, the belief that ALL things have a spirit. Objects, places, animals, plants, rocks etc. all have a spirit that should be honoured at all times. It is prevalent in the histories on many Hunter/Gatherer societies worldwide.
The dictionary definition is: the attribution of a living soul to plants, inanimate objects, and natural phenomena.
It is the disrespecting of this spirit that allows natural disasters to occur, like a drought, failing of crops etc.
It is believed by many practitioners of this belief, that if the spirit of anything has been disrespected or in any way not honoured properly, then that would lead to natural disasters that were capable of wiping out entire tribes! This belief was what kept people practicing and passing on the traditions of Animism to each succeeding generation.
Practitioners believe that the spirit rejoins the sprit world, and should do so as an honoured and rejoiced soul - does this sound like a familiar practice?
In Popular Culture
In popular culture, the practice of Animism is shown in films like Avatar (think of the scene where he is taught how to respect the spirit of the animal he kills), and books such as Small Gods by Terry Pratchett, where even wondering IF there is a God of odd socks (for example) makes said God appear.
It can be said that the belief that thanks need to be given for all things covers many different religions these days, think saying Grace before a meal - I was raised to say the lines 'For what we are about to receive, may the Lord make us truly thankful. Amen.' As I was raised in a Christian tradition, the Lord mentioned here is the Judeo-Christian concept of one God that encompasses everything.
Going back to my point....
Going back to the point I made at the beginning of the blog, that did this lead to other deities worldwide....
I believe so.
Well, I have come to the conclusion (this is personal opinion, NOT fact) that as each deity in every religion that has a polytheistic pantheon is attributed certain qualities, characteristics and even animal symbols, that these deities have become the anthropomorphised personification of the spirits of each of these things, and that is why humans worldwide worship and honour these beings, as it goes back to the Animistic basis of all societies.
Going back to honouring the spirit as it passes into the immortality of the sprit world, this is seen in multiple religious practices across time, think of the Ancient Egyptian ceremonies behind death, think of the Catholic practice of atonement and Last Rites.
Anyway, let us know what you think in the comments section below.
Kerenza x
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