Folk ReligionAnimism - the word “animism” derives from the Latin word "anima", meaning "soul or breath". It is usually applied to any religious beliefs that recognize spirits or a spirit world inherent in the physical world. Animism can be found in many tribal or primal religions. Primal religions are those which are ancient, in existence before the advent of world religions such as Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism. There are many such religions in East Asia, particularly in rural or undeveloped areas, island communities and among tribal groups or minority nationalities. Animism is also found in most of the world religions in East Asia as folk religion.
