In ancient times, many people believed that praying mantises are designed to demonstrate respect for prayer to the people. Mantids are thus named, as while expecting their next victim, they look like a true worshiper.
Muslims believe the praying mantis always looks to the holy city of Mecca, when they stand in their distinctive posture of waiting - with folded front legs.
According to Moroccans, if someone who was lost, meets a mantis on their way, the insect will show him north with its front legs.
African Bushmen of the Kalahari are respectful to the praying mantis and never touch them, because according to their beliefs, they have great magical powers.
According to Italian superstition, if you get sick, this is caused by the fact that a mantis looked at you wrong. According to residents of Sardinia, to kill Mantis is a great misfortune.
In eastern countries, the praying mantis has always been a symbol of courage and cruelty. In medieval Japan, they were depicted on the handles of Samurai swords. Modern Japanese believe that if a person sees a mantis, it foreshadows his death.
In Chinese traditional medicine, praying mantis eggs are used for making potions for healing wounds by sword or spear, since the ancient times. One of the martial techniques in kung fu is typical of a Mantis in attack.
In ancient times it was believed that the praying mantis is a soul that has not been reborn in a human body, but the body of an insect between two incarnations in human form. It is an ancient symbol of female power, as it is known that females eat males because they are much bigger than them.
Asian people believe that if you get lost in the mountains or in the woods and find a praying mantis, know that where its front paws point, is the right direction.
