The word fetish originally meant "charm", and it originates from the 15th century Portuguese word feitico , which means false power, object or charm. For example, when the Portuguese explored West Africa and encountered native religions, they called whatever talisman (totems, carvings, beads) they revered, a fetish.
To the Portuguese in those days, the fetishists were those who worshipped the unusual. Later on, however, the implication of the word took on a whole different meaning.
First, a fetish involves the transfer of power from an original source onto a substitute. Second, a fetishist is someone who operates outside the circle of what is characteristically considered normal. Yeah right, what is normal nowadays?
Interesting.......... 😖
Originally posted by debbiejoThanks for the history lesson, I didn't know that. But you still didn't answer the question.
The word fetish originally meant "charm", and it originates from the 15th century Portuguese word feitico , which means false power, object or charm. For example, when the Portuguese explored West Africa and encountered native religions, they called whatever talisman (totems, carvings, beads) they revered, a fetish.
To the Portuguese in those days, the fetishists were those who worshipped the unusual. Later on, however, the implication of the word took on a whole different meaning.First, a fetish involves the transfer of power from an original source onto a substitute. Second, a fetishist is someone who operates outside the circle of what is characteristically considered normal. Yeah right, what is normal nowadays?
Interesting.......... 😖