Totem Vs. Brand

In today's business world, growth and promotion go hand in hand. Every company wants to stand out and have a strong brand. Branding is the modern way to represent a company with a symbol or mark. We know companies by their logos and marks. In ancient times, this was called a totem.

A Look Back in Time

Since the start of civilization, humans have been drawn to nature's beauty. Using natural symbols like landscapes, animals, and other creatures for various purposes is part of our history. Totems are as old as human society. People used these connections to link their traits with specific objects, feelings, places, or groups. When we explore ancient cities and historical sites, we can see animal carvings and sculptures from those times.

Symbols for Tribes and Families

In Native American history, animal totems were common among tribes and families. They adopted specific animal traits to show their abilities, powers, and qualities. The Thunderbird or Eagle was one of the most popular totem animals. It was a sign of strength, showing how sharp, powerful, dominant, and independent they were.

Similarly, African and Asian cultures used totem animals as special symbols for families, ancestors, and social classes. To show clan identity, they displayed multiple animal carvings on bodies, shields, flags, ornaments, and many other items. A totem wasn't just decoration; it showed their connection to a specific tribe or group of people.

In simple terms, we can say that a totem in history is like someone's nationality. Totem symbols were the first form of identification for tribes.

From Totem to Brand

In the past, totems were limited to families or tribes, but now it's a bit different. Totem symbolism is widely used for business branding. Today, we recognize products through symbols that represent a company's uniqueness and identity.

For any business, it's important to present a product worth buying. A consumer will only buy it when there's a need or similar appeal. So, a business's first step is to create a unique symbol to identify its product. For example, BMW uses a BMW logo, Puma uses a Puma logo, and so on. These products use logos to brand themselves, establishing their excellent and trustworthy qualities.

How Branding Differs from Totems

While totems and brands might seem different, they're actually quite similar. Both use symbols to represent groups, just in different ways. Totems were used by tribes and families long ago, while brands are used by businesses today. But the idea behind them is the same – to show who you are and what you stand for.

People still want to be seen as important, but now they use brands instead of family status. The word "totem" might have changed, but how we use symbols hasn't. We still decorate ourselves with tattoos, jewelry, and clothes that show what we like.

Why Symbols Matter in Every Age

Humans have always used symbols to represent themselves. These symbols are everywhere in nature and help us connect with each other and remember who we are. They're like little reminders of what's important to us.

Easy to Remember

A brand is like a modern totem for a business. It could be a picture, word, or phrase that helps customers remember the company. These symbols make it easy for people to recognize and remember businesses and products quickly.

Convincing People

When you see a logo you know, it can make you want to buy something. A strong brand can become famous all over the world and make people trust it.

Good Reputation

A well-known symbol can make people think good things about a company. For example, the Puma logo with its big cat makes people think of speed and strength. But a logo is more than just a way to sell things – it's like a modern totem that brings people together all over the world.

Brands Are More Than Just Selling

In our fast-changing world, it's really important for businesses to have a strong brand that people recognize. A brand shows what a company believes in and helps customers feel connected to the business. It's easy to forget things in our busy lives, but a good brand helps us remember.

A brand is like a friend that reminds us of good experiences we've had. It's not just about selling stuff – it's about building trust and making people feel good about choosing your product or service. When you see a brand you like, it's like seeing an old friend in a crowd of strangers.

So, while totems and brands might look different on the surface, they're both about showing who we are and what we care about. Whether it's an ancient animal symbol or a modern company logo, these symbols help us connect with each other and remember what's important.