Zulu beliefs about the Praying Mantis

Zulu beliefs about the Praying Mantis

The praying mantis (isithwalambiza in isiZulu) is a little creature that is respected by the Zulu community. The Zulus refer to it as ugogo, meaning ‘the granny’. They believe it represents a female ancestral spirit. If this creature appears in a home of a Zulu person they believe that there is a message from the ancestors. In most families when the praying mantis appears, a Zulu beer will be made, the ancestors are thirsty. It is also believed that the praying mantis might appear after it has protected someone from danger. When this creature appears it should not be touched and it will disappear on its own. The praying mantis should not be killed at all.

Izinkolelo zesintu ngesithwalambiza

Isithwalambiza yisilwane esincane esihlonishwayo emphakathini wamaZulu. Sibizwa ngokuthi ugogo ngoba bakholelwa ukuthi simele idlozi lomuntu wesifazane. Uma kubonakala isithwalambiza ekhaya abantu bakholelwa ukuthi kunomyalezo ovela emadlozini noma kwabaphansi. Emindenini eminingi uma kubonakale isithwalambiza, kugaywa utshwala wesintu. Futhi kunenkolelo yokuthi siyabonakala ngemuva kokuvikela umuntu othile emndenini engozini ekade izomehlela. Uma ngabe isithwalambiza sibonakala ekhaya asithintwa futhi asibulawa siyazinyamalalela sona.