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.
symbol
'das Symbol' and 'das Totem' can both stand for a group, an idea, or a special meaning. 'das Symbol' is the general term and can be used in many different situations. 'das Totem' is much more specific: it is usually an animal, plant, or natural object that in some cultures is revered as the guardian spirit or ancestor of a group. The words can be confused because a totem also serves as a symbol. But not every symbol is a totem. Use 'Totem' only when this cultural or religious context is important.
In dem Buch ist der Adler das Totem eines alten Clans.
In the book, the eagle is the totem of an ancient clan.
Der Baum auf dem Wappen ist ein Symbol für Stärke und Leben.
The tree on the coat of arms is a symbol of strength and life.