CultureAnimism has long been an integral part of Burmese culture and religion, persisting even as new faiths were introduced and spread. Those who don’t take a moment to consult a dictionary probably assume that animism refers to the worship of animals, and they would, of course, be incorrect.
The word animals refers to the breath/soul/spirit, the source of things. Animists believe spirits are present all around us, in both living and non-living things, in features of the landscape, and in natural phenomenon, and that spirits both influence, and are influenced by our actions. The most fascinating aspect of animistic beliefs in Myanmar is how they have managed to coexist with, and even become a part of other religions, without being supplanted by them. One percent of Myanmar's population are animists, believers in the spirits that surround us. |
Tribes
Animism has been well known to exist in tribes all around the world such as Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Russia, Sweden and many more. Despite technological advances Animism has remained traditional through time and has maintained its strong beliefs though the contemporary world.
The religious beliefs may very between tribes due to their cultural ways and expectations. But in the end Animism has a basic content that if followed by all Animists, which mainly includes the belief in souls, spirits and after life.
The religious beliefs may very between tribes due to their cultural ways and expectations. But in the end Animism has a basic content that if followed by all Animists, which mainly includes the belief in souls, spirits and after life.
Spirits
The Animists believe they can feel the connections to these objects and plants and by trying to inanimate objects with their spirits that will revive their long last ancestors who have taught them to continue and believe the tradition of Animism by there teachings of connection, sacrifices, prayers, dances, to bless upon all the areas of life they chose, can include anything crops, health, fertility, to their protection from harm. Another reason of their belief is to protect all these objects through blessing.
They also believe by acting on these teachings and connecting to their ancestors that will then have an influence on those all the spirits living, so by reaching them they can further connect. Some even believe by lots of practices with their witchcraft they can also talk to the spirits in what they chose.
Some don’t even believe they define animism as a practice. Many religions practice Animism but it is generally better to consider it as a belief. Animism is taught as a deception that leads people away from God, if you are a true animist you do not believe in God.
The animist’s believe our earth is filled with spirits, they have a lot of respect for all the objects and spirits around us and consider us all equal this is why they try to connect and reach out to them. Animism is about describing humanity’s original spirituality and worldview. While it over-grids many of the world great faiths, it is also an understanding embraced by a wide variety of quite different peoples around the globe. “All that exists lives… all that lives is holy”
They also believe by acting on these teachings and connecting to their ancestors that will then have an influence on those all the spirits living, so by reaching them they can further connect. Some even believe by lots of practices with their witchcraft they can also talk to the spirits in what they chose.
Some don’t even believe they define animism as a practice. Many religions practice Animism but it is generally better to consider it as a belief. Animism is taught as a deception that leads people away from God, if you are a true animist you do not believe in God.
The animist’s believe our earth is filled with spirits, they have a lot of respect for all the objects and spirits around us and consider us all equal this is why they try to connect and reach out to them. Animism is about describing humanity’s original spirituality and worldview. While it over-grids many of the world great faiths, it is also an understanding embraced by a wide variety of quite different peoples around the globe. “All that exists lives… all that lives is holy”