Since its appearance on planet Earth, humanity has carefully observed everything around it and has incorporated it into its beliefs. Stars, natural phenomena, animals and insects: all have had a meaning, whether in art , language, religion or mythology .
For example, the scarab was – and still is – considered a sign of resurrection or eternal life, a tradition that dates back to ancient Egypt. Cats have been associated with multiple meanings, from femininity and sensuality to bad luck or witchcraft.
And the grasshopper – especially the green grasshopper – has not escaped this practice, becoming one of the most important insects in popular culture.
The grasshopper as an insect
How old are grasshoppers?
The grasshopper has a long history on the planet. According to paleontological studies, its existence began in the Paleozoic Era , when the Earth consisted of a continent – Pangaea – and a large ocean mass known as Panthalassa .
From there, it has come a long way to our times, although its appearance has remained almost intact.
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What is a grasshopper itself?
A grasshopper is a long, thin insect—usually green, gray, or brown—with large hind legs that help it jump high . While they are winged, not all of them are good flyers. Instead, they use their wings to get more momentum out of their jump.
The visual characteristic that allows us to distinguish a cricket from a grasshopper is the antennae. Grasshoppers have short antennae, while crickets – and other ensiferan insects – stand out for their long antennae.
Read more: How to tell a cricket from a grasshopper
Their color will depend on the vegetation surrounding the species. This ability to camouflage protects them from predators and allows them to hunt easily.
The grasshopper: superstitions and meaning
A grasshopper represents a good omen, that is, it brings with it joy and prosperity . This theory comes from Eastern mythology, especially Japanese mythology, which associates it with one of the seven gods of fortune.
For some Eastern cultures, he is also an astral traveler who can make leaps in time or space .
The grasshopper in ancient civilizations
A species of grasshopper – the locust – was worshipped in ancient Egypt . At that time, it was believed to represent a change for the better.
In ancient Japan, the grasshopper brought good luck, money and abundance, while in the Chinese Empire , it was the personification of a deceased relative who had come back to life to protect their loved ones.
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The grasshopper in dreams
Many beliefs consider that dreams are visions of the future or that they have a particular meaning.
According to the dream dictionary, dreaming about a grasshopper can indicate two things. In the first case, that the dreamer will be freed from an obligation or situation in the future, which translates as independence. In the second case, that the dreamer made a leap into the astral plane in the dream to access future knowledge and that the grasshopper was his guide.
The grasshopper according to Native Americans
Native Americans drank concoctions made from medicinal plants, insects and animals. The grasshopper, in fact, was used in the preparation of a drink to help people who were indecisive – or faced with a crossroads – make the best decision.
It is said that the insect’s blood encouraged the individual to take a leap into the void, which would be for good.
The grasshopper as a spiritual totem
A totem – insect or animal – is an emblem given to a person to characterize aspects of their spirit or personality. Many cultures have used totems in the past, especially the indigenous peoples of North America.
A grasshopper totem indicated that the bearer had certain qualities, such as solidarity, patience and wisdom . Therefore, it was awarded to the most artistic and wise people in the tribe.
As you can see, the meaning of the grasshopper does not vary much, and here is the curious thing. Even though many civilizations were separated – by land or by hundreds of years of history – many of them concluded that this insect was a sign of good changes, good luck, abundance and prosperity