Although drawing comparisons between friends and celebrities to animals is increasing in popularity, the origin of these Spirit Animals is not commonly known.

The concept of a Spirit Animal derives from ancient Animistic and Totemistic beliefs. Animism is the belief that non-human objects such as animals, plants, and inanimate objects, possess a spiritual essence and is practiced by many Buddhist, Shinto, Pagan and Neo Pagan groups of people.  Totemism is the belief in the actual spiritual connection or kinship with that non-human object and comes from Native American Indian people.

These two beliefs essentially are all what incorporate what makes up a spirit animal. Not just fun comparisons based on looks or personality, but rather a deeper connection to the world around you.