If a fetish - a sacred object, creature, phenomenon, fetishism - a fetish worship.It is understandable, but too simplistic, so - primitive.Inexperienced in this matter the average person beginning of the 21st century, which has developed to the extent of the cultural-historical outlook, imagine fetishism as totally modern phenomenon.And to express it for him, at best, to worship idols (show stars, politicians) and wealth (trademark brands, luxury goods).But most of all to the question of what fetishism have to hear about sexual deviance when the object of desire, adoration, worship becomes underwear, shoes and other items of a loved one.
Fetishism as a rite of serving
In fact, people began to worship the objects, elements, entities since its appearance on earth.But despite this long history, representatives of science have not come to a common understanding of what is fetishism.Austrian W. Schmidt, recognized anthropologist and theologian, I am sure that is characteristic of the early belief was not polytheism, as is commonly believed, and monotheism.That is, there was one God and one religion.Fetishism was also not a religion but a magical means of expression, along with totemism and animism.Logically, it turns out that religion came first, then later fetishism - as a necessary rite of service.Most scientists are not in accordance with this theory, and contrasts Schmidt reasonable counterargument: the original assumption of monotheism automatically becomes a denial of the evolution of religion.But their history shows it is in favor of evolution from polytheism (many gods) to monotheism (monotheism).
beginning was fetishism.Or totemism?
other explains what fetishism, the Frenchman de Bros.As a historian of religion, studying this issue for a long time, throwing considers fetishism is not a magic medium of expression of religion, and the oldest form of religion itself.Other scholars (Frazer, Durkheim) is not considered the most ancient form of fetishism beliefs.Totemism, in their view, is more suitable in this definition.There are those who propose this role animism.This tour ends with research, especially as a single point of view, there is no science.While scientists have not developed it, we will draw conclusions on the ideas that have developed today in the society of the fetishes and totems.
Totems in Africa live
Totems have all peoples.This is some sacred animal, bird, wood, stone, which is considered the patron family and even his ancestors.But unlike fetishes, totems have retained their value only in isolated tribes in Africa, Australia, North.Though in the big African cities, while keeping faith in the ancestors of animals.In their areas of tourists often observe ritual dances that are performed by the natives wearing masks of animals.With regard to the European culture, totem animals live only in myths and culturally, but not religious consciousness of the people.For the Italians, for example, the myth of the myth of the founders of Rome and still is - no one seriously considers himself a descendant of the wolf.
Fetishism, fanaticism and lust
But fetishes in the world today have received almost more popular than in the past.And it's not the enthusiasm with all sorts of miraculous talismans, amulets and charms that for a decent price offer abundant mushrooming magicians, healers and astrologers.Modern society is personified, gives the supernatural properties of things, they also produced.There was a new "religion of sensual lust" (Marx), the main feature of which - enslaved subjects.Perhaps this is the most correct definition of what fetishism today.People almost praying for prestigious cars, jewelery, worthless daub some fashion "genius."But the most striking manifestation of modern fetishism is the worship of idols.Fans - most real fetishists.
