animismi

Animism is a belief system in which souls or spirits exist in objects, plants, animals, and natural phenomena. This encompasses the idea that all these things are inhabited by a spirit, or at least possess a spiritual essence. This spiritual essence is often believed to be the driving force behind the life and characteristics of the object or being. Animistic beliefs are found in many indigenous cultures around the world, and are considered one of the oldest forms of religious thought.

In many animistic traditions, these spirits are not necessarily worshipped in a formal religious sense, but rather are acknowledged and respected. Interactions with these spirits can involve rituals, prayers, or offerings aimed at maintaining harmony and balance between the human and natural worlds. The belief is that by respecting the spirits of nature, humans can ensure their well-being and the continued prosperity of their community.

The concept of animism was notably articulated by anthropologist Sir Edward Tylor in the 19th century. He proposed it as a fundamental component of early religious development, suggesting that the observation of dreams and the apparent animation of the dead led early humans to conceive of a soul or spirit that could exist independently of the body. While Tylor's specific theories have been debated and refined, the term animism remains a useful descriptor for a wide range of spiritual and cultural practices that attribute life and consciousness to the non-human world.