totemism

[toh-tuh-miz-uh m]

noun

the practice of having totems.

the system of tribal division according to totems.

Origin of totemism

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

Related formsto·tem·is·tic, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for totemism

Historical Examples of totemism

Where there is no totemism the question of union, of course, does not come up.
Introduction to the History of Religions
Crawford Howell Toy
See the authorities cited by Frazer in Totemism and Exogamy.
Introduction to the History of Religions
Crawford Howell Toy
Totemism has not come to man fully equipped in all its parts.
Folklore as an Historical Science
George Laurence Gomme
We have, in point of fact, discovered the datum line of totemism.
Folklore as an Historical Science
George Laurence Gomme
We may now return to the consideration of "otemism" or totemism.
Myth, Ritual, and Religion, Vol. 1
Andrew Lang

British Dictionary definitions for totemism

totemism

noun

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

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

Derived Formstotemist, nountotemistic, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

totemism in Culture

totemism

[(toh-tuh-miz-uhm)]

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.