THEORIES OF RELIGION
TOTEMISM
Totemism implies a tribal social organization of the sib or clan pattern, which is associated with a form of supernaturalism consisting of some typical attitude towards animals, plants, or some other natural objects. Totem is related both to religion and clan organization.
Totemism as a theory of religion:
1. A totem is a species of animal or plant, or part of an animal or plant, or a natural object, or a symbol which has significant distinguishing features for a human group.
2. Primitive people regard them with superstition, respect and believe that they guide them and members of their clan. The concept of totemism believes in reverence towards the totem and at times, sacrifices are offered to the totem.
3. Members of a tribe affiliate themselves with the totem. The totem is a collective religious object with supernatural or mysterious powers for the group. It is associated with a tribal organization and often becomes the name of the tribe or clan.
4. Totemism appeared to be important to those societies where it was found that it was associated with the rule of exogamy between totemic groups. This exogamy was maintained for fear of the unknown. Sometimes primitive people believed that there was a blood relationship between them and the totem; therefore had to be crossed in marriage.
5. Killing or eating the totem is forbidden, but at times if it's an animal or a bird, it is killed and eaten during festivals. Sometimes using the totem is taboo.
6. A religious attitude is attached to the totem and descent is traced through the totemic line.
Thus, many tribes have some kind of religious regard for totemic plants and animals. The Bhils, Gonds, Munda, Ho, the Oraon, and various other tribes give considerable importance to totems and make them the basis for many practices and beliefs.
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