Crossword Genius

Image to carry on the first of March (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

totem

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'image' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'carry on the first of march' is the wordplay.
'carry' becomes 'tote' (toting is a kind of carrying).
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other) (in a down clue, letters appear on others).
'the first of march' becomes 'm' (tst letter of 'march').
'tote'+'m'='TOTEM'

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for totem that I've seen before include "symbol of spiritual significance" , "Tribal symbol (maybe on pole)" , "Badge of tribe etc" , "Idol" , "Animal as emblem" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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