Totemic definition

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This has been a totemic issue for their party over the years, literally a signature policy during the last election. Diversity is largely accepted and encouraged, but lacks the totemic significance assigned to it by boomer activists. Maybe it's the sheer volume of scandals on the landscape today, robbing any one of its totemic power to shock and dismay voters. Offscreen, he is the Nascar set's totemic badass, the God-fearing patriot who walks the walk. The utmost severity attached to the observation of totemic law and custom, to break which was regarded as a serious crime. Fetishism of the Zui description is, indeed, the natural concomitant of a totemic system. Some, covered with obscene totemic figures and designs, were carved from solid tree trunks forty or fifty feet in length.

Totemic definition

While the word totem itself is an anglicisation of the Ojibwe term and both the word and beliefs associated with it are part of the Ojibwe language and culture , belief in tutelary spirits and deities is not limited to the Ojibwe people. Similar concepts, under differing names and with variations in beliefs and practices, may be found in a number of cultures worldwide. The term has also been adopted, and at times redefined, by anthropologists and philosophers of different cultures. Contemporary neoshamanic, New Age, and mythopoetic men's movements not otherwise involved in the practice of a traditional, tribal religion have been known to use "totem" terminology for the personal identification with a tutelary spirit or spirit guide. However, this can be seen as cultural misappropriation. Totemic refers to anything related to or characteristic of the totems of indigenous peoples, usually symbolizing a group, spiritual beliefs, or ancestry. A totem can be an object, animal, or plant serving as the emblem of a family, clan, or other group, and is often revered or considered sacred. Therefore, the term "totemic" often refers to symbols that hold great meaning or significance to a particular culture or group. Submitted by Soulwriter on October 7, Sangin became fairly totemic for the British because of the number of soldiers lost. We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe. If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly. Forgot your password?

As far as Radcliffe-Brown was concerned, totemic definition, totemism was composed of elements that were taken from different areas and institutions, and what they have in common is a general tendency to characterize segments of the community through a connection with a portion of nature. English usage.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'totemic. Send us feedback about these examples. Accessed 16 Mar. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free! See Definitions and Examples ».

By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. We'll see you in your inbox soon. Serving as a totem. All belonged to the same totem or totemic class, and might be scattered throughout the tribe, though subject to the same marriage laws. The headship of the clan was sometimes hereditary, sometimes elective, but each clan had a totemic name, and the clans together constituted the tribe, the bond being not land, but blood. The Bechuanas, who occupy by far the largest domain, and preserve the totemic tribal system, were probably the first arrivals from the north or the north-sea coastlands.

Totemic definition

An animal, plant, or natural object serving among certain tribal or traditional peoples as the emblem of a clan or family and sometimes revered as its founder, ancestor, or guardian. A venerated emblem or symbol: "grew up with the totems and taboos typical of an Irish Catholic kid in Boston" Connie Paige. All rights reserved. Switch to new thesaurus. Based on WordNet 3. Mentioned in? References in classic literature? So no one vexed him as he trotted through the winding pathways between the many houses and past the obscene kingposts of totemic heraldry, where the forms of men, carved from single tree trunks, were seated in the gaping jaws of carved sharks. View in context.

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Sign up for free and get access to exclusive content:. Wordle Helper. English—German German—English. That new monument is rather too totemic for my liking. The Words of the Week - Mar. Thanks for your vote! The markings and designs have totemic significance. Cite this Entry. Read about the team of authors behind Collins Dictionaries. English—Japanese Japanese—English. Korean English to Korean. Post the Definition of totemic to Facebook Facebook.

Paying attention and listening intently: talking about concentration.

Translate your text for free. Download as PDF Printable version. Main article: Anishinaabe clan system. Spanish to English. Help support Wordnik and make this page ad-free by adopting the word totemic. Semi-bilingual Dictionaries. English collocations. Quiz German confusables. More Commonly Mispronounced Words. Therefore, the term "totemic" often refers to symbols that hold great meaning or significance to a particular culture or group. Neerja Indian. Two clicks install ». Collins Word of the Day. Paul Noble Method.