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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.
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The meaning of TOTEM is an object (such as an animal or plant) serving as the emblem of a family or clan and often as a reminder of its ancestry; also : a usually carved or painted representation of such an object.
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. [1]
TOTEM definition: 1. an object that is respected by a group of people, especially for religious reasons: 2. an…. Learn more.
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.
Totems are pictures — usually on badges or emblems — of animals or plants that represent a group of people, especially an extended family or clan. A totem could be a grizzly bear, oak tree, catfish, or just about any other living thing.
In some societies, a family's totem is the particular animal, plant, or natural object which they regard as a special symbol and which they believe has spiritual significance. 2 meanings: 1. (in some societies, esp among Native Americans) an object, species of animal or plant, or natural phenomenon.... Click for more definitions.
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
Nov 8, 2024 · A totem is a guardian spirit of a particular unit of kinship or social organization such as a clan or tribe. A totem may be a species of plant, insect, animal, bird, or even a mythical entity.
An emblem representing a clan or other hereditary social unit, having the form of an animal or other natural object; the animal or natural object itself; a depiction or representation of this animal or object.
Among some peoples, an animal or natural object considered as being ancestrally related to a given kin or descent group and taken as its symbol. An image of this. A social group having a common affiliation to such an object. A symbol, esp. one held in high regard. A venerated emblem or symbol.