Music
totem
What does totem mean?
Used for the often hilarious or meme-based decoration at the top of that pole.
"Their totem this year is a framed photo of a random guy, iconic."
Origin
Borrowed from the general meaning of 'totem' as an emblem or marker. The festival meetup-pole tradition grew with the rise of huge EDM festivals where crowds made it impossible to find friends.
Frequently asked questions
What is a totem at a festival?
It's a tall decorated pole a group raises so they can find each other in a huge crowd.
Why do festivals have totems?
Crowds are so large that phones and shouting don't cut it, so a visible pole becomes the meetup landmark.
Are totems allowed everywhere?
Not always — some festivals and stages restrict pole height or ban them, so check the rules first.
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