Fetichry

/ˈfɛtɪʃri/ noun

Definition

The practice of using fetishes or charms, or more broadly, superstitious or irrational belief systems.

Etymology

From 'fetich' (Portuguese 'feitiço') plus the suffix '-ry' (from Old English, meaning 'practice' or 'condition'). This collective noun emerged to describe the entire system of fetish-based beliefs and practices.

Kelly Says

Fetichry connects directly to the history of racism—European colonizers used this word to dismiss African spiritual practices as primitive, while ignoring that Western religion also relies on objects like saints' relics and sacred icons. It's a word that reveals colonial bias!

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