What is Animism?

Summary

Animism, derived from the Latin word 'anima' meaning breath, life, or spirit, is the belief that all things—animals, plants, rocks, and even human-made objects—possess a spiritual essence. While often misunderstood as a religion, animism is more accurately a worldview that can be part of various religions. It is one of the oldest belief systems, dating back to the Paleolithic era, and influences many ancient and modern faiths. An example of animism’s impact is seen in Japan, where Shinto beliefs shape how even cars are perceived, showing the deep-rooted connection between animism and cultural practices.

Takeaways

• 😀 Animism is derived from the Latin word *anima*, meaning 'breath, spirit, life'.
• 😀 Animism is the belief that objects, places, and creatures possess a distinct spiritual essence.
• 😀 Animism is not a specific religion, but a worldview found in many different belief systems.
• 😀 Animism perceives all things—animals, plants, rocks, rivers, and even human handiwork—as alive with spirit.
• 😀 Animism is one of the oldest belief systems, dating back to the Palaeolithic Age.
• 😀 While animism is often associated with Africa, it can be found globally, from South America to modern cities like New York.
• 😀 Some religions with animistic roots include Shinto, the traditional folk religion of Japan.
• 😀 In Shinto, the belief in spirits extends to everyday objects, such as cars, which can be seen as possessing a 'spirit'.
• 😀 Animism influences how people view the world around them, imbuing objects with life and spirit.
• 😀 Animistic beliefs are not a formal doctrine but rather a perspective on how to view the world.
• 😀 American companies struggled to sell cars in Japan in the 1970s because their designs were perceived as 'sad' due to animistic cultural influences.

Q & A

What is the origin of the word 'animism'?

The word 'animism' comes from the Latin word 'anima', which means breath, life, or spirit.

Is animism considered a religion?

Animism itself is not a religion but rather a way of viewing the world. It refers to the belief that all things, including animals, plants, and even objects, possess a spiritual essence.

What does animism believe about the nature of objects and creatures?

Animism believes that objects, places, animals, plants, and even natural elements like weather and rivers can possess a distinct spiritual essence and are perceived as alive.

How is animism different from traditional religions?

Animism is not a system of faith or worship, which is typically required by religions. Instead, it is a worldview that sees all things as animated with a spirit, rather than a doctrine or formal religion.

Can you give an example of a religion that includes animistic beliefs?

An example of a religion with animistic roots is the Japanese Shinto folk religion, which incorporates beliefs in the spiritual essence of objects and nature.

What is a famous example of animism influencing how people view objects in Japan?

A famous example is the 1970s struggle of American car companies like Ford to sell cars in Japan. It was found that the cars 'looked sad' due to their design, which conflicted with the animistic belief that objects can have a spirit.

When did animism first emerge according to anthropologists?

Anthropologists trace animistic beliefs back to the Palaeolithic Age, making it one of the oldest belief systems in human history.

How does animism influence people's perception of the world?

Animism shapes the way people perceive the world by seeing everything—animals, plants, rocks, and even weather patterns—as possessing a life force or spiritual essence.

Is animism practiced globally?

Yes, animism can be found worldwide, from remote jungles in Africa and South America to urban cities like New York, although it may not always manifest in the same way.

How can animism impact modern societies, like Japan's view of cars?

Animism can influence modern societies by affecting how people perceive objects. In the case of Japan, the spiritual significance of objects led to the belief that cars should not appear 'sad' or 'lifeless', influencing product design and marketing.