Totems have a long and rich history that predate and have nothing to do with Inception.

A totem is generally an object that holds some kind of spiritual or symbolic significance. Its use here is true to the traditional definition.

Symbolic is much more powerful imo.

You could even argue certain guitars or other instruments are totems for musicians. When that guitar is worn, or that synth is used...

Certainly the idea of totems is probably one of the most inate human behaviours.

We all have our favorite 'X'. You could even extend it to software.

People are indisputably more productive when they use the tools they prefer, when compared to the most objectively 'efficient' tools.

Totems are indeed an ancient concept. Their use in lucid dreaming might not be the first, but it certainly predates their portrayal in Inception.