What do we mean by the term ‘Animism’?

The term ‘Animism’ refers to the belief that natural objects and phenomena possess a spiritual essence. According to animistic beliefs, elements such as trees, rivers, mountains, animals, and even rocks have souls or spirits. This form of belief is often associated with tribal and indigenous communities. People who follow animism worship nature and consider it sacred. They believe that these natural spirits can influence human life, and therefore rituals and offerings are made to please them. Animism represents one of the earliest forms of religious belief, where humans lived in close harmony with nature and respected its forces.