We believed that these insects could transmit messages from the spiritual world. The praying mantis was also associated with the Greek goddess Athena, revered as the goddess of wisdom and war. Therefore, seeing a praying mantis was sometimes considered a good omen or a message from Athena.
Spotting a praying mantis in your garden or during a walk often evokes a mixture of fascination and questions—whether it is perceived as a sign of destiny, a spiritual symbol, or simply a natural phenomenon. With its folded front legs in a prayer-like posture, this astonishing insect embodies much more than a mere creature of the animal kingdom: patience, ancestral wisdom, feminine power, and the duality between life and death, depending on the cultures. From the mystical Far East to ancient African traditions, and including modern interpretations in the West, discover how this silent predator has woven its web in the human imagination—a journey to uncover its ancient secrets.
The praying mantis embodies a spiritual symbol across different eras. Its Latin name, Mantis religiosa, reveals its ancient symbolic roots linked to meditation and contemplation. This remarkable insect carves its path in collective imagination thanks to its characteristic posture that evokes prayer. Ancient civilizations saw it as a messenger between worlds, a guide to hidden wisdom.
The meditative posture of the praying mantis, with its front legs folded vertically, inspires various spiritual interpretations. In China, it symbolizes the master of prayer; in Africa, an ancestral spirit; and in Christian traditions, a model of devotion. This motionless position lasting several hours resembles monks in meditation, hence its evocative name. Its ability to remain focused on its prey reflects a balance between patience and decisive action.
