The totem is an ancient symbol of faith. Features of totemism. What is totemism The term totemism was introduced into scientific circulation
TOTEMISM - one of the early forms of religion, the essence of which is the belief in the existence of a special kind of mystical connection between a group of people (genus, tribe) and a certain type of animal or plant (less often, natural phenomena and inanimate objects). The name of this form of religious belief comes from the word "ototem", which in the language of the North American Ojibwe Indians means "his kind." During the study of totemism, it was found that its emergence is closely connected with the economic activity of primitive man - gathering and hunting. Animals and plants, which gave people the opportunity to exist, became objects of worship. At the first stages of the development of totemism, such worship did not exclude, but even assumed the use of totem animals and plants for food. Therefore, sometimes primitive people expressed their attitude to the totem with the words: "This is our meat." However, this kind of connection between people and totems belongs to the distant past, and only ancient legends and stable language turns that have come down to researchers from time immemorial testify to its existence. Somewhat later, elements of social, primarily kinship relations, were introduced into totemism. Members of the tribal group (blood relatives) began to believe that a certain totem animal or plant was the ancestor and patron of their group, and that their distant ancestors, who combined the signs of people and a totem, had extraordinary abilities. This caused, on the one hand, the strengthening of the cult of ancestors, and on the other hand, a change in attitude towards the totem itself, in particular, the emergence of prohibitions on eating the totem, except for those cases when eating it was of a ritual nature and reminded of ancient norms and rules. . Subsequently, within the framework of totemism, a whole system of prohibitions-taboos arose. Totemic beliefs played a big role in the formation of primitive society. They performed an integrating function, uniting people of a particular group around a totem recognized by them. They quite effectively performed a regulatory function, subordinating people's behavior to numerous prohibitions - taboos that all members of the totem group had to observe. In the most “clean” and “convenient” form for research, totemism was found among the Indians of North America, the aborigines of Australia, and the indigenous people of Central and South Africa. Survivals of totemism (food prohibitions, depiction of sacred beings in the form of animals, etc.) ) can be found in many religions of the world.
A.N. Krasnikov
Totemism is a common socio-religious system: this is how the notorious Wikipedia interprets this concept. The primitive religion was based on various facts and phenomena, linking human life, its capabilities and health, for example, with the earth, various animals, and also with other objects and phenomena. It was in this way that the division of the tribe once took place.
At the same time, people were compared with certain animals (owls, coyotes, crows), in honor of which totems were created ( totem- sign, clan coat of arms, animal name). But you could also earn your totem by having special skills: intelligence, strength, speed or wisdom. The name of the totem could be completely different - ranging from a living being to a weather phenomenon (for example, thunder).
If a family member was totemically associated with a certain animal, then the whole family was strictly forbidden to eat this totem animal and it was considered sacred. Everyone believed in totemism, because the ancient religion called for this.
What does totemism mean?
Word totemism(totem animal) in a broad sense means a set of beliefs about the existence of a kind of relationship between a human group or individual - with an animal or plant that is totem for such a group or individual. This relationship involves a series of rituals and taboos (especially of a food and sexual nature) that bind those who recognize themselves as belonging to the same totem.
The very word totem was introduced into active use in 1791 by the English traveler J. Long to denote the relationship of kinship and worship of plants and animals by the Indians in Eastern North America.
In anthropology, the introduction of such a concept and the collection of examples of totemic myths began at the end of the nineteenth century. During this period, scholars focused especially strongly on some of their aspects, which later became a form of religion. The content of these myths was considered one of the most archaic forms of worship in primitive culture. In this way the idea of totemism achieved widespread prominence and was analyzed by a wide variety of disciplines. Her introduction to the anthropological discussion goes back to John McLennan, a Scottish jurist and ethnologist, who emphasized that totemism is characterized by three elements:
- fetishism (cult of inanimate objects);
- exogamy (ban on marriages between members of the clan);
- matrilineal descent (the order of inheritance of national status through the mother).
To these aspects, Rivers would later add another element, namely, the prohibition against eating a totemic plant or animal (with the exception of certain ritual events).
The nature of totemism
Scientists assumed a certain social scenario in which there was no form of exogamy yet, and the whole group was under the despotic control of one person. The weakening of the heightened interest in the very concept of the totem occurred only as their evolutionary analysis was completed. In any case, this whole topic was somehow connected with the most ancient religions of mankind.
At the same time, the religions of ancient people suggested that certain forms of totemism might not include any features that were considered an integral part of the general totemic culture. At each stage of cultural evolution, there could be different versions and types of them. Therefore, ethnographic data were important not so much for clarifying the local significance of this cult, but for identifying its universal aspects and moments that were valid in the life of ancient people. A lot is known today about this kind of beliefs and their various aspects.
So, a characteristic feature of many primitive tribes was the cult of ancestors; therefore, the totem of one or another tribe was passed down from generation to generation. All members of the tribe respected and worshiped him. There was also a strong belief among the community that the magic of the first religions was stored in an amulet or amulet, which would protect and preserve the entire family throughout life. More than one generation of ancient peoples grew up on such beliefs.
Having such ancient roots, totemism and fetishism, to one degree or another, are also represented in the modern world. In our time, such forms of influence of this cult are known as:
- wearing amulets;
- amulets and symbols;
- idolatry.
Nature in totemism
Depending on the situation, even entire classes of animals that patronized the tribes could act as amulets. But also, there were tribes in which at the same time there could be warriors under the auspices of the Bear, Wolf, Coyote, Raven, as well as Thunder and Wind. But, in most cases, nevertheless, animals are the totem.
Totems: what is a totem animal?
How to understand what a totem animal is? It was believed that, mainly, this is a protector, patronizing with his energy and giving strength (especially in battle).
Absolutely for every man or woman, you can pick up his totem animal, with which you can interact on an energy level. It will be individual for each person. The inflicted image of such a creature on the amulet becomes the personification of a strong connection that protects its owner from bad energy influences and even from negative physical effects.
Due to the fact that different representations of this cult have been preserved since ancient times, one can observe how people worshiped one or another "idol". Vivid examples are the cultures of ancient Egypt, the North American Indians, as well as some other cultures in which an ancient amulet or sign, where the appearance of a sacred animal is present, was considered totems.
Totem animal panda or how not to waste energy
Among all the animals, the panda amulet is of particular importance. This is really quite an amazing animal, because in different nations its meaning has a different meaning. Pandas are found exclusively in China, but there is also evidence that such an animal can be found in Tibet. A charm with the image of a panda can mean courage, courage, friendliness, patience, harmony, and even hermitage. The energy of this animal is simply incredible, you just need to be able to properly manage it. If a person is experienced, then it will not be difficult for him to identify someone belonging to the panda totem. As a rule, in this case we will talk about a gentle, cute, and sometimes even funny person who will look for the positive in everything and will never ask for trouble.
Monkey totem or how to get help in a difficult situation
As for the monkey totem, it also evokes different considerations and emotions in people. Someone may assume that the monkey is stupid and aggressive, but this is far from the case. Belonging to the monkey totem, a person is rightfully considered balanced, very smart and calm. In addition, such people have strength and endurance. It is this symbol that personifies those who know how to lend a helping hand to a person in need at the most difficult moment. It is also worth mentioning that in India the monkey is worshiped as a divine animal.
The meaning of bird totems or about patron spirits
The bird totem symbolizes loftiness and lightness, and sometimes even vanity. Often he is selected as a force that protects people - their relatives. Moreover, each bird has a specific designation.
The meaning of bird totems is ambiguous, because there are good totems, and there are also anti-totems. People who have lost faith in themselves or strayed from their life path fall to the lot of the antitoteme. This amulet was created in the form of a crow, an owl and a jackdaw, since their image symbolizes death and witchcraft.
In religious representations, information about bird totems and anti-totems is also widely covered.
Animism, fetishism and magic
Since people believed in magic, witchcraft and completely obeyed it, animism and fetishism (magic) have always been very popular among them. By making amulets and amulets for himself in the form of various animals and spirits, a person, with the help of faith in their strength and protection, became morally stronger, which also added to his physical endurance. It was believed that everyone had to acquire a totem, since this small "deity" was considered an indisputable amulet and protector.
Today, totems also play a very important role. After all, it is also possible to choose a totem animal for yourself according to the sign of the zodiac. Each of the zodiac signs is associated with a certain animal, which acts as a totem. For example, Lions have a lion, Aquarius has a horse, and Pisces has a snail.
Amulets, amulets and totems of the American Indians are also a well-known theme. Having this or that totem, each person was obliged to wear an amulet that personified him. It could be a small figurine of a totem animal carved from wood or stone.
The American aborigines had a number of totems that they highly revered and for which special rituals of worship were held. The image of their totems in one form or another could be of enormous size, since it was intended to protect almost the entire tribe.
How are the phenomena of totemism explained?
The first important comparative presentation of known ethnographic data is connected with the totemism of the theory of Fraser and Exogamy (1910), where three different hypotheses of its origin are proposed:
- The first hypothesis says that the form of totemism is individual. It supports the assumption of the peoples that there is an external soul that dwells in animals and plants.
- The second hypothesis emphasizes the magical aspect of totemism. This is especially pronounced in the cult of the peoples of Australia.
- The third hypothesis is based on the idea of primitive people about the dependence of sexuality on the animal or plant spirit.
Fraser's monumental work on the study of the collected ethnographic data on totemism emphasized, in particular, the rationality of Western ethnic groups and its difference from the more primitive thinking of Eastern peoples. One of the results of this approach was to reveal a wide variety of types and forms of such approaches in the collected ethnographic evidence.
An in-depth study of these differences made it possible to establish that the variety of totemic phenomena was, indeed, too great: it did not even fit into a single typology.
Research put forward by various scholars made it possible to identify a wide range of divergent cult phenomena, so it was often difficult to build and formulate universal hypotheses. Ideas began to be proposed with increasing caution, as well as taking into account historical continuity and some geographical aspects.
Only one thing can be said unequivocally: totemism refers to a certain form of religion of primitive culture.
In the work "Totem and Taboo" (1912) one can also get acquainted with Freud's theory, in which an attempt was made to establish parallels between the two main prohibitions in totemism: alimentary and sexual. Ethnographic data regarding the prehistoric existence of the so-called primitive horde were, however, underestimated by him in favor of the well-known Darwinian hypothesis.
The American writer Stanley Elkin was one of the last writers to suggest that ethnographic analysis could still be developed in the direction of a more generalized interpretation of totemism. While the famous French folklorist and ethnographer Van Gennep was one of the first authors to recognize that totemism cannot be regarded as a universal cultural phenomenon.
This lack of universality has also been confirmed by some other American anthropologists. According to Spencer's theory, totemism originated from the worship of animals.
Totemism in the modern world
also occupies a special place. Many people still believe in magic, miracles and sorcery. All kinds of amulets and amulets are not uncommon today. Almost every third inhabitant of the planet carries them with him. Thanks to the developments (“Totemism Today”), you can choose an energy protector by zodiac sign, date of birth and other parameters. Focusing on his work, you can choose a charm in the form of a certain animal or plant.
Choosing your totem is a personal matter for everyone. However, today one can also consider such a topic as totemism and social norms. There are entire social groups that choose a certain totem for themselves. Usually such communities are created under the leadership of a strong leader who knows how to rally and inspire people to follow certain rituals. In such groups, a set of internal laws and rules is adopted, the observance of which becomes the norm for all their members.
Totemistic beliefs, or totemism - the belief that certain types of animals, plants, some material objects, as well as natural phenomena are the ancestors, ancestors, patrons of specific tribal groups.
Totemism (“from-otem” in the language of North American Indians means “his family”) is a system of religious ideas about the relationship between a group of people (usually a family) and a totem - a mythical ancestor, most often some animal or plant. The totem was treated as a kind and caring ancestor and patron who protects people - their relatives - from hunger, cold, disease and death. Initially, only a real animal, bird, insect or plant was considered a totem. Then their more or less realistic image was enough, and later the totem could be designated by any symbol, word or sound.
We can meet some manifestations of totemism among the peoples of Melanesia: tribal groups bear totemic names, in places totemic prohibitions are preserved, belief in the connection of totems with the ancestors of the clan, etc. Among the tribes of the islands of Samoa, among the peoples of America - there are totems in coats of arms, family signs on clothes, on housing. In the form of a minor religion, as a modification, the belief in werewolf among the peoples of America has been preserved.
The choice of totems is often associated with the physical and geographical nature of the area. So, for example, among many tribes of Australia, the kangaroo, emu, opossum, wild dog, lizard, raven, and bat, which are common here, act as totems. At the same time, in the desert or semi-desert regions of the continent, where natural conditions and wildlife are scarce, various insects and plants become totems, which are not found anywhere else in this capacity.
Totemism is the religion of an early tribal society, where blood ties are the most important between people. A person sees similar connections in the surrounding world, he endows all nature with kindred relations. Animals and plants, which form the basis of the life of a hunter and gatherer, become the subject of his religious feelings.
In the course of historical development, most peoples have lost their totemic ideas. However, in some places totemism has shown extraordinary vitality, for example among the Australian Aborigines. In the rituals of the Australian tribes, sacred objects - churingi - play a huge role. These are stone or wooden plates with drawings applied to them, denoting one or another totem.
Belief in the absolute connection of churinga with the fate of a person is so strong that in the event of its destruction, a person often fell ill and sometimes died. This, in turn, served as a new confirmation of the effect of invisible spells.
Traces and remnants of totemism are found to varying degrees in modern religions and have been preserved as elements in the ethnic cultures of many peoples.
Animism.
A new form of religion gradually developed - the cult of nature. Man's superstitious fear of formidable and mighty nature evoked a desire to somehow propitiate her. Man in his imagination peopled all nature with spirits. This form of religious beliefs is called animism (from the Latin words - "animus" - spirit). According to animistic beliefs, the whole world around is inhabited by spirits, and each person, animal or plant has its own soul, an incorporeal double.
Such a belief, in one form or another, is inherent in any religion, from the most primitive to the most advanced. True, the degree of expression of animistic beliefs is not the same in different forms of religion, at different stages of its development.
The term "animism" covers very diverse categories of religious ideas, diverse not only in appearance, in ideological content, but also, most importantly, in origin. Animistic images are personifications, but human fantasy can personify anything.
The words "spirit" or "soul" in the view of primitive people were associated with the animation of all nature. Religious ideas about the spirits of the earth, the sun, thunder, lightning, and vegetation gradually developed. Later, on this basis, the myth of dying and resurrecting gods arose.
Magical beliefs, or magic - the belief in the ability, with the help of certain techniques, conspiracies, rituals, to influence objects and natural phenomena, the course of social life, and later the world of supernatural forces. In the cave of Montespan, discovered in 1923 in the Pyrenees, a clay figure of a bear without a head was found. The figure is riddled with round holes. These are probably dart marks. Around him, on the clay floor, there are prints of bare human feet. A similar find was made in the Tyuc d'Auduber cave. The ancients believed that the bewitched animal itself would allow itself to be killed.
TOTEMISM - English. totemism; German totemismus. 1. A complex of beliefs in a supernatural relationship between groups of people (genus, tribe) and certain totems (animals, plants, natural phenomena, inanimate objects) ... sociological dictionary
Totemism is a widespread in the past, but still existing religious and social system. It is based on the worship of the totem. The term "totem" was first mentioned in the late eighteenth century by Long, and was borrowed from the Ojibwa tribe, where the word totem meant the emblem of the clan. Also, a sacred animal, to which the clan rendered a special cult, was called a totem.
Today, the concept of "totem" means a class of objects that is given special worship by a social group, phratry, clan, tribe, and sometimes even one individual. In most cases, those who worship the totem call themselves by its name and consider themselves bound by family ties. Perhaps there is no such object in the world that could not act as a totem, but most often people worshiped animals.
Features of totemism lie in the fact that people perceive objects of nature as full-fledged and animated representatives of the world. Many objects, at the same time, were endowed with supernatural qualities. Tribes that adhered to the system of totemism had a worldview built on emotional, cultural, mystical and ideological relationships with nature. The following characteristics of totemism are distinguished:
The totem serves as the guardian of the human soul, patron and helper. The power of the totem affects the mind, inspires fear, awe and respect.
In totemism there is a historically established system of names and symbols.
Fans of totemism compare their personality and the totem, and also symbolically become like it.
Animals and plants that are part of the hierarchy of totemism are protected and revered. These objects are untouchable, and their death at the hands of man is the most serious sin.
Active use of totemic rituals.
Rows of cults and numerous magical rites are included in the list of totemic teachings. The mixture of magical and religious components somewhat complicates the understanding of totemism as an integral system. Group totemism is considered the most common form of this system. This species is characterized by the following features:
The existence of a mystical connection between a social group and a plant or animal.
Close connection between the name of the social group and the totem.
The symbolism of the totem, its emblem, as well as taboos were related both to the whole group and to subdivisions.
It was believed that the totemic group occurred as a result of the marriage of a person and an animal, more rarely simply forced submission.
The first origin of totemism arose in shamanic circles, where the animalistic guardian god originated from an individual totem. Totemism was inherited from ancestors to descendants, establishing a taboo on a certain type of animal or plant. Based on this, it was forbidden to eat the meat of a totem animal, as this was equated with eating one's own flesh, or the flesh of one's father. Healers and shamans associated themselves with their own totems. If the totem was insulted or physically harmed, the shaman also suffered bodily or mental illness.
The totem is also designed to protect its keeper during sleep from various dangers. There is a belief that if a danger creeps up to a sleeping person, then the spirit of the totem inhabits the body of the owner, warning of the danger and awakening.
Despite the fact that totemism arose in the era of the ancient tribal system, totemistic beliefs are very stable. Taking on a different role and significance, they continue to be preserved to this day in Australia, North America, India, Africa and even Central Asia.