Define animism, and give several examples of surviving animism in modern life.

Animism is defined as the religious belief that each inanimate object possesses a soul or spiritual essence that makes them alive and animated. 

Some people believe that there are supernatural beings around us. They leave food offerings to these creatures in the hope that these creatures will leave them alone and not harass or scare them to death. Others wear amulets for protection. They believe that the amulets they wear which represents a divine being will protect them from harm.