The totem is a device that Cobb spins in order to tell whether he's in a dream or not. If it spins perpetually, he's in someone's dream. If it spins, but then falls and stops, it's reality.
The word totem has no meaning in Latin. The English word "totem" comes from an Algonquian (Native American) word meaning "his kin; his family mark".
I donβt know
you will regret that (your dead)
They appear to be in the real world, in the house of the kid's grandparents. When the totem doesn't stop spinning, it is unclear if it is really the real world.
Because each person has their own, unique totem it helps them to determine whether they are in their own dream or not. The actions of the totems confirm whether or not a person is awake. (For example, one of the totems is a spinning top which only falls in reality.)
Different totem poles have different meanings based on the carvings upon them.
Beginning; commencement; initiation., Reception; a taking in.
Beginning; commencement; initiation., Reception; a taking in.
totem
'Taboo' is a word from the Pacific islands meaning 'forbidden', 'totem' is a Native American word, usally seen as 'totem pole'. Totem poles were seen in Native American villages.
He was regarded as having the bear's positive qualities of strength and courage
Inception or onset means beginning in medical terms.