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- DictionaryTo·tem/ˈtōdəm/
noun
- 1. a natural object or animal that is believed by a particular society to have spiritual significance and that is adopted by it as an emblem.
In its most specific sense, totem refers to an emblematic depiction of an animal or plant that gives a family or clan its name and that often serves as a reminder of its ancestry. The term is also used broadly for any person or thing having particular emblematic or symbolic importance.
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A totem (from Ojibwe: ᑑᑌᒼ or ᑑᑌᒻ doodem) is a spirit being, sacred object, or symbol that serves as an emblem of a group of people, such as a family, clan, lineage, or tribe, such as in the Anishinaabe clan system.
totemism, system of belief in which humans are said to have kinship or a mystical relationship with a spirit-being, such as an animal or plant. The entity, or totem, is thought to interact with a given kin group or an individual and to serve as their emblem or symbol.
A totem is a spirit being, sacred object, or symbol of a tribe, clan, family, or individual. Some Native American tribes’ tradition provides that each person is connected with nine different animals that will accompany them through life, acting as guides.
noun. a natural object or an animate being, as an animal or bird, assumed as the emblem of a clan, family, or group. an object or natural phenomenon that a family or descendant group considers themselves closely related to.
Totemism is a relationship of spiritual kinship between a human or group of humans and a particular species of animal or plant. The totem animal or plant is generally held to be an ancestor, guardian, and/or benefactor of the human or humans in question.
TOTEM definition: 1. an object that is respected by a group of people, especially for religious reasons: 2. an…. Learn more.
TOTEM meaning: 1 : something (such as an animal or plant) that is the symbol for a family, tribe, etc., especially among Native Americans; 2 : a usually carved or painted figure that represents such a symbol.
Durkheim held that such a religion reflects the collective consciousness that is manifested through the identification of the individuals of the group with an animal or plant species; it is expressed outwardly in taboos, symbols, and rituals that are based on this identification.
