Totemism
The spiritual connection between humans and natural species.
Every person has totemic connections to specific animals, plants, or natural phenomena. These totems are not merely symbols but relatives with whom reciprocal responsibilities exist. Harming one's totem is like harming a family member.
My totem is my family in the animal world. I must protect it as I protect my human relatives.
Totemism extends kinship relationships to the entire natural world.
Oral Tradition
Written about in
- What Aboriginal tradition says about kinship and sharing
Each person carries a totemic tie to a particular animal, plant or natural phenomenon, treated as a relative rather than a symbol. Harming your totem is placed in the same category as harming family.