Etymology
Meaning
A totem is a symbol or emblem that represents a particular clan, family, or group of people. It can be an animal, plant, object, or other entity that is believed to have a special relationship with the group it represents. Totems often have spiritual or ceremonial significance and may be used in rituals and ceremonies to represent the group's identity and heritage.
Origin
The concept of totems originated in Native American cultures, particularly among the Ojibwe people of the Great Lakes region. The Ojibwe word "odoodem" referred to a person's clan or kinship group, which was often represented by a specific animal or natural object. The totemic system was later adopted by other Native American tribes and spread to other parts of the world.
Cultural Significance
Totems play an important role in many cultures around the world. They can represent a group's:
Examples
Etymology The word totem is derived from the Ojibwe Chippewa language specifically
Etymology From earlier skin flint meaning a person who holds tightly to his her money
Etymology The word equivocal is derived from the Latin word aequus meaning equal
Etymology Middle English bafel to confuse or bewilder Old French baffler to del
Etymology Latin affinitas meaning relationship by marriage Old French affinité
Etymology Origin Middle English abandonar from Old French abandoner from Late Latin
Etymology The word retreat is derived from the Old French retraite which in turn co
Etymology The word girl is derived from the Middle English word girl which in turn
Feature Etymology Meaning Origin Etymology Greek The stu
Etymology Scrutiny comes from Latin scrutinium meaning examination or inquiry It i
Etymology The word desultory originates from the Latin word desultor which means v