Ojibwe
Totem
/TOH-tem/
A "totem" (from the Ojibwe 'odoodem') is far more than a mere symbol; it is a living spiritual entity, often an animal or plant, that embodies the ancestral spirit and identity of an Anishinaabe clan or individual. It signifies a profound, sacred kinship, weaving together lineage, community, and the intricate web of the natural world. This spiritual guide imparts specific energies, teachings, and responsibilities, establishing an unbreakable bond and a revered protector for those it represents.
Lit. Derived from the Ojibwe word 'odoodem', meaning 'his kinship group' or 'his clan'.
Used to refer to the spiritual symbol or emblem of a clan, family, or individual within Indigenous cultures, representing their ancestral connection and spiritual identity.