Totem: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ฎ
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totem

 

[ หˆtoสŠtษ›m ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

cultural symbol

A totem is an object, usually an animal or a natural entity, that holds particular significance for a group of people, often symbolizing their connection to nature or ancestral lineage. Totems are commonly associated with Indigenous cultures and are used in various traditions, ceremonies, and as symbols of identity. They can serve as communal emblems representing clan lineage or individual achievement. The belief is that each totem possesses spiritual properties and reflects the traits or teachings of the entity it represents.

Synonyms

emblem, idol, symbol

Examples of usage

  • The grizzly bear is our clan's totem.
  • Artists often create totems for community festivals.
  • Each totem tells a story of our ancestors.

Translations

Translations of the word "totem" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น totem

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคŸเฅ‹เคŸเฅ‡เคฎ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Totem

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ totem

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‚ะพั‚ะตะผ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ totem

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒˆใƒผใƒ†ใƒ 

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท totem

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ totem

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท totem

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ† ํ…œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชูˆุชูŠู…

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ totem

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ totem

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ›พ่…พ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ totem

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ totem

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะพั‚ะตะผ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒขแƒแƒขแƒ”แƒ›แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ totem

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ totem

Word origin

The word 'totem' is derived from the Ojibwe language term 'doodem', which means 'clan' or 'kinship'. The use of totems among Indigenous peoples in North America dates back thousands of years, with significant cultural and spiritual importance. In these cultures, totems represent the spiritual connections between humans and nature and are often depicted in art, sculpture, or other forms of creative expression. The early European settlers observed these practices and adopted the term 'totem' to describe various ceremonial and symbolic objects they encountered. The term has since broadened in use to apply in various fields beyond Indigenous cultures, including literature and psychology, symbolizing deeper meanings and connections.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,033, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.