Family emblems :

TOTEMS

“Totem” is a word used to describe any entity that watches over a group of people. As such, totems are usually the subjects of worship. Totem poles are really misnamed, as they are not intended to represent figures to be worshiped, but rather are heraldic in nature, and often celebrating the legends or notable events in the history of a tribe.

The term “totem” can have different meanings depending on the context:

1. Totem Pole: In indigenous cultures, especially among certain Native American tribes in North America, a totem pole is a carved wooden pole or pillar, often depicting symbols or figures representing ancestral spirits, animals, or other cultural significance. Totem poles are traditionally created by indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast.
2. Totemism: Totemism is a belief system or social practice in which people are associated with a particular totem, often an animal or a natural object, that is believed to have spiritual significance. Totemism is found in various indigenous cultures around the world.
3. Corporate Totem: In a more metaphorical or symbolic sense, the term “totem” is sometimes used to describe a symbol or emblem representing a group, organization, or community. This could be a mascot, logo, or any distinctive symbol that carries cultural or symbolic significance.
4. Freudian Psychology: In Freudian psychology, the term “totem” has been used to describe an object, typically an animal or natural element, that represents a group or individual and is invested with special significance in the unconscious mind.

The meaning of “totem” can vary widely based on the cultural, religious, or psychological context in which it is used. The concept is often associated with symbolism, spirituality, and the representation of identity or values.