What is an example of totemism?

For example, a group that holds that it is derived directly or indirectly from a given totem may have a tradition in which its progenitor was an animal or plant that could also appear as a human being. In such belief systems, groups of people and species of animals and plants can thus have progenitors in common.

What do you mean by totemism?

1 : belief in kinship with or a mystical relationship between a group or an individual and a totem. 2 : a system of social organization based on totemic affiliations.

How do you use totem in a sentence?

  1. [S] [T] What’s the total? ( CK)
  2. [S] [T] Tom totaled his car. ( CK)
  3. [S] [T] Tom is a total idiot. ( CK)
  4. [S] [T] Tom is a total nutcase. ( Spamster)
  5. [S] [T] Tom was in total shock. ( CK)
  6. [S] [T] We sat in total silence. ( CK)
  7. [S] [T] What is the total amount? ( CK)
  8. [S] [T] What is the total number of students? ( CK)

Where did the word totemism come from?

Totemism is a belief about the relationship between people and nature. The term totem comes from an Ojibwe word meaning “a relative of mine”. It was first written about in 1791 by a trader, James Long. It has been recorded across native tribes of America, Africa and Australia.

How are totems chosen?

A totem is a natural object, plant or animal that is inherited by members of a Clan or family as their spiritual emblem. Totems are decided by an Elder or family member and are usually given at a young age or when a child goes through their Coming of Age Ceremony.

What happens if u eat your totem?

In regard to eating, killing, or destroying them, the clan totems are regarded as if they were human members of the group. Moreover, it is believed that an offense against the totems through a breach of taboo will produce a corresponding decrease in the size of the clan.

What is the meaning of in total?

phrase. If there are a number of things in total, there are that number when you count or add them all together. I was with my partner for eight years in total.

How do you use a total?

“He earned a total of $200 doing yard work.” Used with prepositions: “In total, they spent over $500 of their own money.” “She received a total of 95 points out of 100.”

Can you marry someone with the same totem?

Women take on the totem of their husbands, and people of the same totem are not allowed to inter-marry, so this system also works to prevent interfamilial or incestuous marriages. Strangers of the same totem greet each other as relatives, because they know that way back in time they are related.