Animism

Belief that things in nature, plants, rocks, animals, sky etc. have souls.

Origins-Founder - There is no one person who is considered the founder of Animism

Geographic Origin - Developed worldwide in different parts of the world. (Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Australia)

No writings, oral stories

Shamans- conducts rituals

Medicine man or woman- healer

West African

Griot

North

American

Shaman

Beliefs:

a. Religion that believes that each object has its own spirit and that ancestors watch over the living.

b. Polytheistic - Spirits are found in natural objects (living and nonliving objects)

c. There is belief in a Supreme Being and in lesser gods. d. Obey the gods and follow tradition and you will be rewarded with

good harvests and many healthy children. e. Failure to follow traditions would anger the Gods and result in

hardships, crop failure, illness and death.

AnimismRespect of nature Respect of ancestors

Impact Daily Life

a. Importance of family and nature

b. Prayers and ceremonies keep gods on your side

c. Use of ceremonial masks as a way to receive what the people want or need.

Daoism

Origins-

Daoism/Taoism

1. Founder – Lao Tsu, a Chinese philosopher

2. Geographic Origin - Developed in China approximately around 500 BCE

can be translated into English, meaning "the way." It is a philosophy which teaches that nature has a “way” in which it moves, and that people should accept the “way” of nature.

Beliefs-

a. Harmony in nature - An emphasis is placed on the link between people and nature. Taoism teaches that this link lessened the need for rules and order, and leads one to a better understanding of the world.

b. Government is unnatural - Daoists viewed governments as “unnatural” and believed that the best governments are the ones that govern the least.

c. Yin and Yang - symbol that has also been used to illustrate the natural harmony that exists in the world. Everything must have an opposing force that allows the harmonious universe to exist.

Yin and YangBalance

Impact Daily Life-

Having a respect for nature and the natural order

Living in harmony and peace

Your choices determine your life

Shintoism

Origins-Shinto is interpreted “The Way of the Gods”

The name came from the Chinese words “shin tao” in the 8th century AD.

Started about 500 BC in Japan

It was originally a mixture of ancient practices:Nature Worship

Fertility Cults (groups that pray for more crops)

Fortune Telling

Hero Worship

Shamanism (magic)

Shinto Priests Torii Gate

BeliefsFollowers of Shinto worship the spirits (or kami) that live in nature.

Every part of nature is thought to be animated by a divinity (god).These gods are called kami.They dwell in nature, but can protect people. They are seen as good; they help and protect people.People pray to them and make offerings, such as wine, food or incense.

Kitsune- Messenger of Inari however some can be tricksters

Inari Okami- Rice God

Impact Daily LifeRespect for nature and tradition

The kami are consulted before important events.

Believers look into the Shinto calendar for a lucky day when all the gods will work in favor of the event.

Offerings are made at these events to bring good luck.