totemism

American  

[toh-tuh-miz-uhm] / ˈtoʊ təˌmɪz əm /

noun

1. the practice of having totems.

2. the system of tribal division according to totems.

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totemism British  

/ ˈtəʊtəˌmɪzəm /

noun

1. the belief in kinship of groups or individuals having a common totem

2. the rituals, taboos, and other practices associated with such a belief

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totemism Cultural  

1. The belief that people are descended from animals, plants, and other natural objects. Symbols (see also symbol) of these natural ancestors, known as totems, are often associated with clans (groups of families tracing common descent). By representing desirable individual qualities (such as the swiftness of a deer) and helping to explain the mythical origin of the clan, totems reinforce clan identity and solidarity.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• totemistic
  adjective
• totemist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of totemism

An Americanism dating back to 1785–95; totem + -ism

Example Sentences

The French anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss in his book Totemism pointed out that for tribal peoples in the South American rainforest birds were more than just good to eat.

From The Guardian • Jul. 27, 2013

Totemism, in this limited form, was perfectly consistent with ancestor-worship.

From The Fijians A Study of the Decay of Custom by Thomson, Basil

Totemism has not come to man fully equipped in all its parts.

From Folklore as an Historical Science by Gomme, George Laurence

Totemism so far touches our heraldry that some would trace to its symbols the white horse of Westphalia, the bull’s head of the Mecklenburgers and many other ancient armories.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 3 "Helmont, Jean" to "Hernosand" by Various

Totemism and taboo are both of them intimately connected with the history of early religion, but in different ways.

From Introduction to the History of Religions Handbooks on the History of Religions, Volume IV by Jastrow, Morris