Animism And Acceptance Of Rituals In The Film Avatar

Known for its varied landscape, tall mountains, woodlands, and deserts, America is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Over the course of thousands of years, indigenous people lived in nearly every part of the world before the Europeans came. As the rise of immigration spread across the globe, many different ethnic cultures developed with many different practices and beliefs. In the journey through life in indigenous societies, rites of passage are aided and marked by rituals. These rites strengthen bonds within the community and renew bonds between individuals. They are also important to society as a whole by bringing together new members and reaffirming old bonds. This is evident in the film Avatar, which expands the possibilities

Animism is the belief that all living things in the universe are alive and have the ability to provide guidance and significance to their existence (Molly, pg 41). These religions consider both the human viewpoint and the natural worldview. People seek guidance and significance from their native surroundings. The Tree of Souls, which represents the Omatikaya Na'vi clan's closest link to Eywa, serves as a place of prayer in the film Avatar. It consists of a tall tree with deep roots and bioluminescent tendrils, located in the center of a caldera-shaped enclave. The Na'vi use the tree as a gateway to communicate with Eywa in order to ask for advice, carry out healing rituals, or show thanks for preserving the delicate life balance that exists. Native Americans and the Na'vi have a strong respect for nature, and this concept is deeply rooted in sacred practices. Common religious activity and practice are crucial in native communities since their primary goal is frequently to establish individuals, families, and societies in "right relationships" with gods, ancestors, other people, and environment. (Molly, pg. 48). Rituals are the fundamental means by which humans ensure that they live in peace with one another and with nature. Rituals are usually dedicated to significant parts of human existence: life events, laws governing particular behaviors, sacrifice, and entrance

As previously mentioned, humans arrived at Pandora to take resources for Earth, which caused strife and ruined their standard of living. This emphasizes the risks of colonization, as well as the need for respecting other cultures and ways of life rather than seeking to impose alternative ideas and values on them. Instead of attempting to conquer or rule other civilizations, humans must accept and respect culture. Several cultures have their own beliefs, values, and practices, and another group should not be able to change theirs. While both sides gain knowledge and experience from their interactions, the connection between the Na'vi and humans serves as a prime example of the advantages of cultural exchange. Society can build a more welcoming and peaceful place where everyone is valued and embraced by appreciating diversity. Although the major source of tension was between humans and Na'vi, the Na'vi also clashed with one another. This is seen when the Na'vi successfully protect Pandora from the humans due to their profound sense of community and unity. They learned that the value of unity is most important when achieving a common goal. Both humans and Na'vi realized that pursuing one's own desires ultimately results in destruction, while being considerate of others ultimately results in happier and better