Anthropomorphism

 

By anthropomorphizing objects, we attribute human characteristics to them, making them easier to relate to. It's a concept that can bring profound comfort, especially in times of distress. Naming objects can make the world seem less intimidating, creating a sense of companionship and reducing feelings of isolation.

We all do it.

Everything has a name. Otherwise, we’d never be able to tell a story or define a map without a “tree” or a “bird” or a “dog” or a “cat”. When we discover something new or create something never before seen, we have to give it a name. Think of your children.

If we didn’t identify ourselves by our names, we would need nametags at conventions. Some of us are named after relatives and have an obligation to honor the name. Others can change a name in marriage or self-identity or just on a whim Be sure to tell all the authorities who need you name to put on your gravestone.

This is about naming inanimate objects. Some people name their cars to give them personality, like painting details. They talk to their cars with love when showing them off during a wash or have someone to cuss to when they won’t start. Some don’t name their kitchen appliances, but will talk to them when opening the refrigerator and not remembering what you were looking for.

Many musicians name their instruments, like Eric Clapton’s “Blackie” or George Harrison’s “Rocky”, for they depend on them as friends they hold close to. We name our pets, whether a dog or a horse and talk to them with a ‘baby talk’ voice while they stare at us having no idea what we are saying. They hear a certain sound and relate it to being fed. Maybe our children can relate to that too?

I haven’t named my bikes, but have named my yard crewe. Rather than calling the ‘squirrels’ to opening the buffet to cocktail peanuts, I call them all “Petie”. The reason is logical. A neighbor brought my wife a baby squirrel that had fallen out of a tree. She took it in and found a place in the bathroom for her. The squirrel was named “Petie”. Petie was left go in the yard and being familiar with us and her ‘name’ would come down the trees to be hand-fed. The name just spread to cover all the fuzzy tail tree monkeys. The little brown motor scooters are named “Beau-Beau” for a similar reason. There are “Bun-Bun’s” and “Rocky” and “Posse”. “Mr. and Mrs. C.” for our commonwealth’s feathered symbol. Blue Jays are “Blue Jays” and “Mister Hawk” is just that. “Al” the owl, is the leader of the pack while “Bike Buddy” wren is the Yard Boss.

Why not?

As you put on your favorite jammies tonight and crawl under the covers, pull close “Mister Winky”. That wore and torn ragged stuffed toy will give you comfort on a winter night.