Totem: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฎ
totem
[ หtoสtษm ]
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
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:
๐ต๐น totem
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคเฅเคฎ
๐ฉ๐ช Totem
๐ฎ๐ฉ totem
๐บ๐ฆ ัะพัะตะผ
๐ต๐ฑ totem
๐ฏ๐ต ใใผใใ
๐ซ๐ท totem
๐ช๐ธ totem
๐น๐ท totem
๐ฐ๐ท ํ ํ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุชูุชูู
๐จ๐ฟ totem
๐ธ๐ฐ totem
๐จ๐ณ ๅพ่ พ
๐ธ๐ฎ totem
๐ฎ๐ธ totem
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะพัะตะผ
๐ฌ๐ช แขแแขแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ totem
๐ฒ๐ฝ totem
Etymology
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.