Q:
Is a praying mantis good luck?
A:
Quick Answer
In African culture, a praying mantis is a sign of good luck if it lands on a person, and some tribes believe the insect supplies fire and brings the dead to life. African bushmen call the praying mantis "Hottentotsgot," which means "god."
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Full Answer
The name "praying mantis" is Greek and translates literally into "prophet" or "diviner," so it is not odd that in France, for example, sighting a mantis signifies the return to home of a lost child. In other cultures, a praying mantis points the way to Mecca. Whatever a mantis represents to the world, in the insect realm, it is a determined predator that uses its prayer-like front legs to grab and eat prey alive.
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