paganism
/ˈpeɪɡənɪzəm/
NOUN
1. Indigenous polytheistic religion
A religious belief system involving the worship of multiple deities, often rooted in the traditional spiritual practices of a particular culture or community.
1.1. Polytheistic religious beliefs
Religious traditions that recognize and worship multiple gods and goddesses, often associated with ancient civilizations and indigenous cultures.
Synonyms
- polytheism
- heathenism
Antonyms
- monotheism
Examples
- The historian studied ancient paganism and its influence on early civilizations.
- Paganism in the ancient world often involved the worship of numerous gods and goddesses.
Related Words
1.2. Traditional indigenous religions
Spiritual belief systems rooted in the customs and ancestral traditions of indigenous communities, often involving nature worship, multiple deities, and traditional rituals.
Synonyms
- heathenism
- polytheism
Examples
- The village elders preserved elements of traditional paganism passed down through generations.
- Researchers examined the role of paganism in the community's ancestral ceremonies.
Related Words
- indigenous religion
- animism
- nature worship
- ancestral worship
- traditional spirituality
- shamanism
NOUN
2. Nature-based religious practices
A class of religious and spiritual traditions characterized by rituals connected with nature, natural forces, seasonal cycles, and the spiritual significance of the natural world.
2.1. Nature worship and spiritual rituals
Religious practices that honor natural elements, seasonal changes, animals, plants, and spiritual forces believed to inhabit or influence the natural world.
Synonyms
- nature worship
- heathenism
Examples
- Some modern practitioners find inspiration in the spirituality of ancient paganism.
- The archaeological site revealed artifacts that provided insight into the rituals of ancient paganism.
Related Words
- animism
- pantheism
- druidism
- shamanism
- earth spirituality
- nature spirituality
2.2. Ancient pre-Christian traditions
Religious customs and ceremonies practiced by ancient communities before the spread of Christianity, frequently involving multiple deities and seasonal celebrations.
Synonyms
- heathenism
- polytheism
Examples
- The historian explored the influence of paganism on early European festivals.
- Several ancient customs survived the transition from paganism to Christianity.
Related Words
- pre-Christian religion
- ancient religion
- druidism
- mythology
- ritualism
- folk religion