Polytheistic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐๏ธ
polytheistic
[หpษlษชหฮธiหษชstษชk ]
Definition
religious belief
Polytheistic refers to the belief in or worship of multiple deities, often in a religious context. This belief system is contrastive to monotheism, which involves the worship of a single god. Polytheistic religions typically have a pantheon of gods, each associated with different aspects of life and nature. These deities often have distinct personalities, stories, and attributes, reflecting the diverse nature of human experience and social organization. Ancient civilizations such as those in Greece, Rome, Egypt, and India are well-known for their polytheistic beliefs.
Synonyms
many-god, multiplicitous, mythological.
Examples of usage
- The ancient Greeks practiced polytheistic rituals to honor their many gods.
- Polytheistic religions often have a rich mythology associated with their deities.
- Hinduism is one of the world's major polytheistic religions.
- Festivals in polytheistic cultures often celebrate various gods and goddesses.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Cultural Practices
- Many ancient cultures, like the Egyptians and Greeks, practiced polytheism, worshipping gods related to nature, war, and love.
- In Hinduism, which is a modern polytheistic religion, there are millions of deities representing various aspects of life.
Literature
- Polytheistic themes appear in epic tales like Homer's Iliad, where gods actively influence human affairs.
- The concept is explored in modern literature, including Neil Gaiman's 'American Gods', which delves into how new and old gods interact.
Psychology
- Studies suggest that polytheistic beliefs may allow for a more personalized and varied approach to spirituality, reflecting different life experiences.
- Psychologists find that polytheism can provide individuals with a broader range of coping mechanisms and support systems.
Geography
- Regions like ancient Mesopotamia were hotbeds of polytheistic worship, with gods governing every aspect of life.
- Laboratory on polytheistic practices shows that cultures such as the Yoruba in Nigeria maintain rich polytheistic traditions shared by diverse ethnic groups.
Origin of 'polytheistic'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'polytheistic' comes from Greek, where 'poly' means 'many' and 'theos' means 'god'.
- It was first used in the 17th century to describe belief systems that include multiple deities.
The term 'polytheistic' comes from the Greek words 'polus', meaning 'many', and 'theos', meaning 'god'. The concept has been prevalent since ancient times, as many early civilizations wove rich narratives around their various deities. From the polytheistic practices of the Sumerians and Egyptians who worshiped gods associated with nature and societal needs to the complex pantheons of the Greeks and Romans, polytheism shaped the cultural and spiritual landscape of these societies. The term itself began to be used in the English language in the 17th century to describe these transformative belief systems. As scholarship of religion evolved, polytheism was increasingly contrasted with monotheism.