What practice is characteristic of animism?

Animism is a belief system that attributes spiritual essence to animals, plants, and inanimate objects, viewing them as having their own spirits or souls. This worldview often leads to the performance of rituals that honor these spirits, particularly in contexts where humans depend on nature for sustenance.

Performing rituals related to hunting an animal for food is a direct embodiment of animist practices, as such rituals typically express respect for the spirit of the animal, acknowledging its life and the connection between humans and the natural world. These rituals may involve offerings, prayers, or ceremonies meant to ensure a successful hunt and to thank the spirit of the animal for its sacrifice.

On the other hand, other practices like celebrating mass, worshipping a single deity, or appealing to saints are characteristic of different religious traditions, particularly those that emphasize monotheism or organized spiritual hierarchies rather than the direct, personal relationship with the spirits of the natural world seen in animism. Each of those practices does not align with the fundamental principles of animism, which is rooted in a polytheistic or nature-centric perspective where multiple spirits play a role in the human experience and survival.