totem
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totem
A natural object, usually an animal or plant, that in some cultures is revered as the ancestor and guardian spirit of a group (e.g., a clan) and serves as its symbol.
Der Bär war das Totem ihres Stammes und wurde in vielen Zeremonien geehrt.
The bear was the totem of their tribe and was honored in many ceremonies.
'Totem' (totem) is the base word for the more familiar 'Totempfahl' (totem pole). A totem pole is a large carved wooden pillar that represents one or more totems.
Im Museum steht ein beeindruckender Totempfahl aus Kanada.
There is an impressive totem pole from Canada in the museum.
'Totem' (totem) is often used in fixed combinations that describe its function: 'als Totem dienen' (to serve as a totem), 'ein Totem verehren' (to revere a totem), or 'das Totem eines Stammes sein' (to be the totem of a tribe).
Der Adler diente dem Stamm als Totem und Symbol der Freiheit.
The eagle served the tribe as a totem and symbol of freedom.
The word 'Totem' (totem) is mainly used in specific contexts such as ethnology, history, and spirituality, when talking about Indigenous cultures and their belief systems.
In dem Buch über nordamerikanische Kulturen lernte sie viel über die Bedeutung von Totems.
In the book about North American cultures, she learned a lot about the meaning of totems.
coat of arms
A Wappen and a Totem can both symbolize a group. A Wappen is a heraldic sign in the shape of a shield, whereas a Totem is a revered natural object, usually an animal or plant, serving as an ancestral symbol and guardian spirit. Use “Wappen” for the sign and “Totem” for the religious and cultural reference.
Der Clan verehrt einen Adler als Totem und Schutzgeist seiner Gruppe.
The clan worships an eagle as the group’s totem and guardian spirit.
Das Wappen der Familie ist auf dem Schild über dem Eingang abgebildet.
The family’s coat of arms is depicted on the shield above the entrance.
