Worship of nature from "summary" of The Golden Bough by James George Frazer
The worship of nature is a universal phenomenon among primitive peoples. They regard the natural world as alive and peopled by spiritual beings who must be propitiated or conciliated. These beings are believed to control the forces of nature, such as the sun, moon, stars, wind, rain, and thunder. The worship of these beings is often accompanied by rituals and ceremonies designed to ensure the continued fertility of the land and the welfare of the community.
One common form of nature worship is the worship of the sun. The sun is seen as a powerful deity who gives life and sustenance to all living things. In many cultures, the sun is believed to be a god who must be honored and revered through prayers, offerings, and sacrifices. The sun is often associated with fertility, growth, and abundance, and its worship is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune to the worshippers.
Another common form of nature worship is the worship of the earth. The earth is seen as a nurturing mother who provides food, shelter, and sustenance to all living things. In many cultures, the earth is believed to be a goddess who must be respected and cared for. Rituals and ceremonies are performed to honor the earth and ensure its continued fertility and abundance. The worship of the earth is often associated with agriculture and the cycles of planting, growing, and harvesting.
The worship of nature is often intertwined with animism, the belief that all natural objects, such as trees, rocks, rivers, and mountains, are inhabited by spirits. These spirits are believed to have the power to influence the lives of humans and must be appeased through offerings and ceremonies. The worship of nature is also closely linked to the concept of totemism, the belief that each clan or tribe is descended from a particular animal or plant and has a special relationship with that totemic being.
In many cultures, the worship of nature is a central part of religious life. It is a way of connecting with the divine and expressing gratitude for the gifts of the natural world. Through rituals, prayers, and ceremonies, worshippers seek to maintain harmony with the forces of nature and ensure the continued well-being of their communities. The worship of nature is a deeply ingrained aspect of human culture, reflecting our deep-seated need to connect with the land, the sky, and the sea.
