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Sketches of the World: Animism

Related Article: Learn more about the history of Africa.

A large number of African cultures believe that all objects, whether human, animal, or inanimate, have a spirit of their own. Worship of spirits and ancestors includes music and dance.

browse videos in folklore & superstition

The LEGO Man and the Sea (1:09)

Watch this video about how an 8-foot tall smiling LEGO man washed ashore near a Dutch resort on HowStuffWorks. No one knows where the LEGO man came from - the Danish toymaker isn't even speculating - but it was Dutch fisherman who rescued the statue... More »

Treasure Ship in South China Sea (1:22)

Watch this Reuters video showing how archaeologists are raising one of the largest Song Dynasty cargo ships from beneath the South China Sea. The 800-year-old trading ship has more than 70,000 relics, including porcelain, silver and gold.

Sketches of the World: Animism (1:28)

A large number of African cultures believe that all objects, whether human, animal, or inanimate, have a spirit of their own. Worship of spirits and ancestors includes music and dance.

China's Lucky Number 8 (1:45)

What's your lucky number? Watch this Reuters video to see why many Chinese regard the number "8" as lucky. This is one of the main reasons why the Beijing Olympics are beginning on 8-08-08.

Great Balls of Fire in Mexico (1:07)

Watch this Reuters video to see how to play "fire hockey". As part of an ancient pre-Hispanic tradition, villagers of the Mixtec community of Villa De Tamazulapam del Progreso light a ball and use sticks to hit the ball in the opponents goal.

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10 Ways to Lift a Curse: Four Thieves Vinegar (3:00)

Four thieves vinegar is a magical secret recipe purported to break any curse. Learn more about its mystical powers on The Science Channel's "Ten Ways to Lift a Curse."

10 Ways to Lift a Curse: Alistair Crowley Curse (2:49)

Travel to the cursed seaside town of Hastings, England and witness White Witch, Kevin Carlyon attempt to break the spell of Alistair Crowley on The Science Channel's "Ten Ways to Break a Curse."

10 Ways to Lift a Curse: Stone Circles (2:55)

On The Science Channel's "Ten Ways to Lift a Curse," join Arch Druid Edward Prynn of Cornwall, as he dances around stone circles in order to break the ancient deadly curse of Martha Ivey.

10 Ways to Lift a Curse: The Evil Eye (2:58)

Will giving someone the evil eye really cause harm, or is it just an ancient superstition? The Science Channel's "Ten Ways to Lift a Curse," offers insight into the history and presumed power of the evil eye.

Sketches of the World: Animism (1:28)

A large number of African cultures believe that all objects, whether human, animal, or inanimate, have a spirit of their own. Worship of spirits and ancestors includes music and dance.