totemism, system of belief in which humans are said to have kinship or a mystical relationship with a spirit-being, such as an animal or plant. The entity, or totem, is thought to interact with a given kin group or an individual and to serve as their emblem or symbol.

What is a totemic issue?

/toʊˈtem.ɪk/ respected by a group of people, especially for religious reasons: The markings and designs have totemic significance. The car industry has a totemic status that is out of proportion to its real economic significance.

What are examples of totems?

A totem could be a grizzly bear, oak tree, catfish, or just about any other living thing. Like a flag, a totem means a lot to the people it represents. special design or visual object representing a quality, type, group, etc.