A praying mantis is one of the few insects that are not only pleasing to look at, but also invoke a sense of awe and wonder. What is about these almost alien-looking creatures that make us stop and stare?
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The mystery and magic of the praying mantis can actually be traced very far back. The people of Ancient Greece and Ancient Egypt saw these insects as guides to those who needed direction either in life or death. In Chinese culture, the praying mantis is an omen of good fortune and prosperity. The insect’s repeated waving of its forelegs in a typical posture known as “praying” was thought to resemble the ritualistic act of prayer. In ancient China, people believed that when they saw a mantis they would know their crops would be successful for another year.
The praying mantis is also thought to have a connection to the spiritual world and, as a result, is able to deliver messages from higher beings or guides who exist to help us discover and live our purpose.
This blog post discusses various interpretations, symbolism, and the praying mantis meaning behind this unique insect.
The symbolism behind the Praying Mantis
When we observe a praying mantis, they often seem to move slowly, calmly, and with purpose. It only makes sense that they represent stillness, calm, patience, awareness, and being mindful. It should serve as a reminder that despite how crazy our lives might get, we should make time for these practices in our own lives.
In Western cultures, the mantis is seen as a predator because it feeds on other insects. It can also be symbolic of nature’s cycle of death and rebirth due to its ability to reproduce through egg fertilization in adulthood. In ancient Buddhist culture, they believed that praying mantises were said to represent patience and perseverance because their forelegs are raised up when waiting for prey.
Praying Mantises have been found throughout history with various cultural interpretations and symbolism behind them depending on what people saw in these creatures during different periods of time.
“From whence arrived the praying mantis?
– Ogden Nash
From outer space, or lost Atlantis?
glimpse the grin, green metal mug
at masks the pseudo-saintly bug,
Orthopterous, also carnivorous,
And faintly whisper, Lord deliver us.”
Spiritual meaning of the Mantis
The praying mantis spirit animal represents looking inward and trying to figure out what your highest purpose is. This often involves doing meditation and letting yourself disconnect from the hustle and bustle of reality so you can gain clarity and intuition.
There are many different interpretations of what it means to see a praying mantis, but another interpretation is good fortune and prosperity – this belief originated in China where people often saw mantis as omens of success or an indicator that you have found your place in life.
The praying mantis spirit animal could also predict weather changes by observing how long it takes them to turn around on a plant or leaf they are on. If the mantis turns around quickly then it is a sign that storms will come soon, but if it takes them a while to turn around and face in another direction then this could be an indicator of fair weather coming.
“I imagine the life of an atheistic praying mantis to be rather torturous.”
– Brian Celio
Its forelegs are thought to resemble ritualistic acts of prayer which led people to believe that the mantis spirit animal was a symbol of religious piety, which embodied patience and humility. The act also showed they would be rewarded with earthly success if their prayers were heard by deities or spirits.
This insect was thought to have magical powers by some ancient cultures – for example, people living near Lake Victoria believed mantises were spirits of their ancestors who would strike down your enemy with lightning if you captured one alive.
Other interpretations say the mantis meaning can predict how long someone has left to live or whether they will die from illness; Chinese folklore says seeing 10-20 mantis within 24 hours means impending death while seeing 20-30 indicates imminent death.
Praying mantis and meditation
The praying mantis is well known for its unique ability to stand on its head and wrap its front legs around its neck. This position resembles that of someone in deep meditation or prayer. Some people interpret this similarity as meaning that the insects may be spiritual. While there are various species of praying mantises, it should be noted that a number of them definitely do share these meditative qualities.
Further evidence for this theory can be found through their appearance in some Chinese and Japanese paintings done by Buddhist monks though whether they were inspired by actual observations of the insects or simply meant to depict peace, is unclear. Scholars have also pointed out certain similarities between behavioral patterns displayed by the insects and those performed during religious ceremonies and rites within some Eastern religions.
There are also various physical characteristics that have resulted in the praying mantis being sold as an effigy of Buddha. These mantises share a number of physical features with many statues and paintings depicting the peaceful Buddha.
One example, in particular, is their elongated forelegs which resemble the sleeves commonly depicted on images and figurines of the spiritual leader. There are even some small, carved pieces that depict a figure sitting cross-legged with a mantis perched on his head or shoulder.
No one knows exactly why this insect was used for these purposes but there are speculations that it may be due to its tendency to stand upright so much like a person would while meditating, or simply because they were seen as having such strong and powerful bodies.
The mantis totem
The praying mantis totem is a powerful totem for change. The mantis teaches us to be patient and observant as well as to take action when needed. The mantis teaches us how to patiently wait for the right time, which can allow the situation or issue at hand to resolve itself without any effort on our part. When we are ready, it will show us what needs doing by taking actions of its own accord in order to create change within the world around it.
“He was as nervous as a praying mantis at an atheists’ picnic … ”
– Tom Robbins
The praying mantis totem also teaches one how to be still. In China, there is a whole martial art form developed around the shape of this insect – it’s called Praying Mantis Kung Fu! The Bushmen tribe in Africa believes that the mantis meaning was also their ancestor and they have many tales about him too – much like coyotes (read more about coyote symbolism) and ravens who are known for getting themselves into trouble but then turning up again as if nothing happened at all.
The Praying Mantis symbolism in different cultures
Across the world, the praying mantis meaning has been used as a symbol for different cultures. It is thought to represent passive aggression, patience, and masculinity in some societies. There are also interpretations of an entire life cycle with regards to this creature’s meaning- from birth through death and rebirth- that are prevalent across many cultures.
Native American Culture
The Native Americans, in particular the Cherokee tribe, maintained that the praying mantis was a symbol of great strength. The insect’s forelegs were interpreted to represent bows and arrows – weapons used for hunting game animals or enemies. In addition, it is believed by many cultures that seeing a praying mantis predicts rain because they typically appear after rainfall when there are few other insects around.
Native American tribes believe this creature also has healing powers (check also our post about animals that represent healing) (check also our post about animals that represent healing). One legend claims that if one catches a small praying mantis alive then swallows it whole without chewing on any part of its body then one will be cured from being bitten by either snake or spider venom.
Christian culture
In Christian culture, the mantis meaning is a symbol of Christ’s victory over death. The insect stands up with its forelegs in “prayer” and as it turns around, it appears to be turning pages on an invisible book – much like Jesus reading from the Bible.
The Christian symbolism behind this creature represents one more way that people have come to understand some fundamental truths about life: that there are many ways for humans to achieve salvation through faith and love.
Praying Mantis mentions in the bible
In the Bible, the praying mantis meaning is a representation of spirituality. It has often been said that when you come across one, it is a sign that there are angels watching over you and guiding you. Read on about Praying Mantis Meaning in the Bible.
Chinese culture
In Chinese culture, the Praying Mantis is an omen of good fortune and prosperity. The insect’s repeated waving of its forelegs in a typical posture known as “praying” was thought to resemble the ritualistic act of prayer.
In ancient China, people believed that when they saw a mantis they would know their crops would be successful for another year.
Celtic culture
The Celtic word for “mantis” is spelled in Irish as mantids, which means a “seer” or one who can see into the future. The Celts believed that those with second sight were able to predict events both far away and near at hand by seeing into their mind’s eye, just like a Praying Mantis sees around it without moving its head. This ability was considered an important trait among Druids because they would need this type of insight during rituals and divinations when communing with nature spirits who embodied everything from fertility to death and destruction. In this way, the Celtic culture viewed the insect as much more than simply an insect but also as having supernatural powers over life itself.
In Greek and Latin culture
In Greek culture, the praying mantis is a symbol of vigilance and patience. This creature would often wait for its prey to come by then snatch it up quickly with its forelegs so as not to lose the opportunity. The Greek people believed this was symbolic of how one should live their lives; always paying close attention, never missing an opportunity, but also being patient in waiting for what they want or need.
In Latin culture, the praying mantis holds different meanings depending on who you ask. Some believe that the insect’s camouflage abilities are representative of how we can hide from our fears while others see them as symbols warning about false prophets (those priests/clerics that preach words without truth).
Can a Praying Mantis hurt you?
Upon closer inspection of these majestic insects, you will notice tiny spikes on their front legs. Luckily, if you do get jabbed or “attacked” they will do little, if no damage, at all. They can also bite you but, once again, the odds of their bite doing any harm are ridiculously small. Sustaining an injury from these insects is no worse than a papercut. Thankfully, the female praying mantis’s partner is the only one who should be concerned.
As you can see, the legends and beliefs behind these insects have existed since the beginning of time. Their presence is viewed as lucky, insightful and serves to remind us that we need to stop every now and then to take time to work on ourselves. And, although they are harmless to humans, it is best that we observe them from afar and let them continue carrying their messages to others.
Meaning when you see a Praying Mantis
There are a number of reasons why a praying mantis has made an appearance in your life. In order to figure out the reasoning behind it, it’s important to consider a few key factors:
- Are you at a pivotal point in your life?
- Are you no longer in alignment with your higher purpose?
- Has a loved one recently passed away?
- Do you need to slow down and take some time for yourself?
All of these questions can help provide you with a clear answer as to why you’re seeing this beautiful insect.
If you are constantly on the go and living a fast-paced lifestyle that doesn’t feel fulfilling or seems to have a purpose, then you should take seeing a praying mantis as a sign that it’s time to slow down. You should use that time to meditate and work on strengthening your intuition; this would be the perfect time to do just that. You can then use your intuition to help guide you through life and make decisions that are in alignment with your divine purpose.
If you are waiting to hear some good news or are in need of a little luck, then you might not have to wait much longer. It has been said that the praying mantis is a sign of good luck, or that good news is on the way.
Since the praying mantis is believed to have spiritual connections, it would make sense that they have the ability to bring messages from “the other side.” So, if you have recently suffered the loss of a loved one, you can take comfort as it is a sign from them that they are safe and watching over you.
Seeing a dead praying mantis, although upsetting, also has meaning. And while one would automatically assume it would have a negative connotation, the exact opposite is true. One of the meanings to consider is that you need to take more time to focus on your spirituality. It could mean that you are too concerned with the material things in life and need to start focusing on the more meaningful aspects of life.
Likewise, it could also be a sign that even though you are practicing honing your intuition and taking time to meditate, you might be spending too much time doing so. Instead of making decisions and taking action, you’re too focused on looking inward and might even be missing signs that your guides are putting right in front of you. Too much of a good thing is possible and the praying mantis is here to remind you of just that!
If you are lucky enough to have a praying mantis land on you, you should take that as a sign that you are at a crossroads in your life. Either you are trying to make a big decision that will have a significant impact on your life or it’s time for you to make some serious changes that will set you on a brand new path. It could also be a sign that you are starting to align with your higher purpose and that the energy that you’re emitting is high frequency. That just means you are headed in the right direction! A praying mantis is believed to be attracted to people who “vibrate higher” so one landing on you is just another way to let you know you are in alignment with the universe and your purpose.
Praying Mantis Meaning In House
Since they are a little more difficult to find in the wild than to spot once they’ve ventured into your house, many believe that a praying mantis in your home represents your guardian angel paying you a visit to make sure that you remain righteous and that you are safe from any harm.
A house call from this perceptive spirit animal is a sign that we need to take time to think of the areas in our life where change and transformation are required. Observed to possess the ability to sit still for long hours, the praying mantis reminds us of our need to regularly evaluate ourselves for us to see a clearer picture of which direction we are headed. Read here more about the praying mantis meaning in house.
Mantis meaning in dreams
When you dream about mantises crawling over you, it generally means that something major is about to happen in your life. You should be on the lookout for major changes in your life and be prepared to handle them when they come.
A praying mantis in a dream can also represent an unresolved situation in a person’s life. The mantis dream represents either the situation or issue itself, or perhaps be a metaphor for it. This is not always apparent from the symbolism alone but may become clear once you think about your interpretation of the praying mantis and what it might symbolize to you personally.
In some instances, dreaming of a praying mantis prior to taking an exam may indicate that one is over-anxious and therefore will not perform as well as they otherwise would have done if they were more relaxed before entering the examination room. On a positive note, however, when a number of mantises appear during this type of dream scenario, they can indicate great success and the passing of an examination.
Conclusion
What is the meaning of a praying mantis? A lot of people might say that it’s about patience and waiting. But, there are also other interpretations such as transformation or change. We’ll leave you with this thought-provoking question for now… what does your interpretation mean to you?
[Video] Meanings and Totems of the Praying Mantis
Check also our post on insect symbolism.
