- " A totem 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. The totemic symbol may serve as a reminder of the kin group's ancestry or mythic past."
Native beliefs explain that a totem animal is one that is with you, in the spiritual and physical world, for life.
Totem pole
A totem pole has pictures and carvings of animals and mythological creatures that have spiritual significance and watch over the tribes, families, or clans who believe in totemism. |
Totemism: The belief in the kinship of a group of people with a common totem. The word comes from the Ojibwe (Chippewa) word 'Odoodem' meaning 'his kinship group', which signifies a blood relationship. Totemism is the practice of having an animal or object as the emblem of a tribe. The totem is believed to be mystically related to the tribe and therefore are not to be hunted. |