Crossword Genius

Symbols that start trick-or-treating a German flower (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

totems

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

'symbols' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'start trick-or-treating a german flower' is the wordplay.
'start' says to take the initial letters.
'a german flower' becomes 'ems' (I've seen this before. I am not sure about the 'german' bit.).
The initial letters of 'trick or treating' is 'tot'.
'tot'+'ems'='TOTEMS'

'that' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for totems that I've seen before include "Emblems once adopted by native Americans, seen on pole" , "Motets (anag.)" , "Natural objects adopted as emblems" , "Poles" , "Signs" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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