Definition of Totem
a natural object or animal a society adopts as an emblem because they believe it has spiritual significance
Examples of Totem in a sentence
In Native American society, the Eagle is a very powerful totem, a symbol of great spiritual significance. 🔊
There are many animals that act as a totem in different societies, but you may be familiar with the significance of the bear and the hawk. 🔊
The Buffalo was such a critical part of societies in the Great Plains of America that some cultures treated them as a totem, a symbol of spiritual significance. 🔊
You have likely seen an image of a totem pole at least once, but did you know that it is called such because each animal on the pole is a totem, a figure of spiritual worth to that society? 🔊
Most of the totem poles you see in museums or elsewhere are comprised of different animals that have some spiritual importance to the society that built them. 🔊
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