Humans are complex creatures of nature with various kinds of mysteries in themselves which encourages the study of this species even more interesting. This study of the behavioral pattern of human beings, their cultures, beliefs, and the whole race is considered to be Anthropology. The patterns of human behavior are important to explore to know the values and cultures of humans in daily life.
Animism vs Animatism
The main difference between Animism and Animatism is that Animism believes that there is the presence of spiritual power or spirits in every individual which has its traits of personality, whereas, in Animatism, it is believed that there is a universal power residing in every living or dead being which doesn’t have any particular personality of its own and lacks individuality.
Animism solely emphasizes the belief of individuality among every spirit present in all kinds of natural objects, be it living or non-living organisms. It strongly focuses on the belief that there is the presence of spirit in everyone possessing different kinds of personality traits depending on the object.
Animatism is considered to be the belief that there is one universal superior power that resides among every other object in the atmosphere. It may not have any personality of its own but is believed to be present everywhere, thus, omnipresent in nature.
Comparison Table Between Animism and Animatism
| Parameters of Comparison | Animism | Animatism |
| Definition | It is considered to be the belief where spirits or spiritual power is present in every object. | It is considered to be the belief where a universal power is present among everything. |
| Presence | Presence of spirit in each object of nature. | Presence of a universal supernatural power among all. |
| Individuality | It has individuality. | It is universal. |
| Supernatural | It may or may not be supernatural. | It is believed to be supernatural power. |
| Personality | It possesses personality depending on the object. | It lacks a personality of its own. |
What is Animism?
Animism, according to anthropology, is the belief in the presence of spirits in every individual in nature. These spirits tend to reside among every object and possess personality according to the host it resides on. The belief in animism focuses on the presence of the soul in everything, even if it is an inanimate object.
People tend to believe that these spirits present in everyone may be of various personalities and can also be good or evil as well. This particular belief in people has made them even worship inanimate objects to gain the sympathy of those spirits which may not even be visible.
People also have strong faith that the spirits have the ability to interact with the individual or human beings in general, which makes their belief even stronger. People tend to be very careful in doing their necessary jobs so that they don’t offend these spirits in any way and also keep religious rituals and worshiping for these spirits to respect their presence.
The human culture at some places also believes that the soul stays even after the death of the living being, which makes it immensely powerful, and they tend to do offering to keep them satisfied always.
What is Animatism?
Animatism is considered to be the belief that there is one universal power that is present everywhere, which can also be considered supernatural by some people. This universal power does not have any personality of its own but still is present everywhere.
This universal power is more like a force or strong sense of energy that is believed to be present everywhere and can be attained with practice and determination. It is not particularly considered good or evil but can be misused if used with bad intentions as it is the source of huge power or energy.
This source of energy or universal power is considered to be the storehouse of immense strength and power that can be practiced by this energy. In animatism, every being is considered to be sharing the same force of energy in themselves.
The human beings possessing this power can experience the power of this energy within themselves if they have faith in it. It is the impersonal energy or force of power which presents itself through every other individual and objects in nature.
Main Differences Between Animism and Animatism
- Animism refers to the belief that there are innumerable spirits present in every single being. While, in animatism, it is believed that there is only one source of power that is universal among all.
- In animism, the various spirits present in the individuals have their own personalities as well. Whereas in animatism, the universal power does not have its own personality.
- In animism, different spirits are present in different objects and beings. On the other hand, in animatism, a single power is present in everything in nature.
- In animism, there is no common link between the spirits residing in the individuals, but in animatism, it is the same force that is present everywhere.
- In animism, there is individuality among the spirits as they are in variety depending on the being and object, while, in animatism, it is the common source of energy, thus no individuality.
Conclusion
The study of human beliefs, rituals and culture are considered important to know the way human beings lead their life. The religious perspective of people is highlighted through their rituals and beliefs in spirits and energy, which is omnipresent. The faith in these beliefs makes them have a sense of strength in themselves even stronger.
Animism and animatism are both considered to be the faith in the presence of innumerable spirits or a universal power that may or may not be seen but can be felt by many. The religious practices and rituals are a result of these beliefs in the spiritual existence, which is considered to be the storehouse of immense strength and power. Thus, people, through their beliefs and practices, tend to satisfy the needs of these spirits to have the blessing of power they have in themselves.
References
- https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-349-24858-2_1