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Grasshopper Symbolism & Meaning (+Totem, Spirit & Omens)

grasshopper

Are you uncertain about what you should do next? No need to worry! The wisdom of the grasshopper is here to help. The grasshopper is an excellent reminder that often all we need is to take a leap of faith. Trust in the wisdom of this fascinating insect and you can be sure that everything will turn out just fine. Without further ado, let’s dive into the meaning of the grasshopper!

Table of contents

Grasshopper symbolism and meaning

Firstly, the grasshopper symbolizes luck, both good and bad. When the wisdom of the grasshopper is observed and respected it brings about good fortune, but carelessly mistreat the grasshopper and your luck may soon turn sour.

Grasshoppers and locusts also symbolize intuition and sensitivity. For those who feel a special connection to these insects, these traits are natural gifts.

Grasshoppers are also linked to the inner voice and the higher self. Grasshoppers may symbolize the need to listen to one’s instincts and spiritual needs.

The grasshopper reminds us both to introspect and to nurture our spiritual growth.

grasshopper

Like the grasshopper, with its impressive leaping ability, we must remember to have faith and courage. Although we may not always know where we will land, we must trust ourselves to jump anyways!

The locust can represent musical expression as well as romance. The symbolism of grasshoppers and locusts may remind us to communicate in our relationships and to express our innermost thoughts through art and music.

The grasshopper or locust can also represent abundance, achievement, astral travel, courage, fearlessness, fertility, forward-moving, and thinking, happiness, intuition, longevity, leaps of faith, patience, peacefulness, wealth, and virtue.

Grasshopper Native American symbolism

What does the grasshopper mean in Native American traditions? While many cultures celebrate the grasshopper, most Native American cultures associate this insect with negativity or destruction. This is because grasshoppers and locusts are pest insects which eat crops and devastate farms.

In many stories, the grasshopper appears as a greedy, careless, and deceiving insect, which is a sign of bad luck and hostility. This insect was thought of so antagonistically that a Hopi myth was created for disobeying children in which the grasshoppers bite their noses.

Interestingly, the negative meaning of the grasshopper is much less prevalent in cultures that relied more on hunting than farming for their livelihoods. For many of these people, the grasshopper was an omen of change in the weather. It was even thought, in some cases, that the insect itself had the magical power to control precipitation and bring about rain.

grasshopper

In Mexico, the grasshopper’s meaning is more humble. Grasshoppers there are frequently eaten.

One Native American legend describes the hero Gluskabe stealing tobacco from a grasshopper. 

In this tale, the role of the grasshopper is that of a powerful magician that kills anyone who dares to attempt to steal his tobacco. Gluskabe is undeterred, though, and leaves for the wizard’s island. Because the wizard is away, Gluskabe steals his pipe, seeds, and everything he has been hoarding. Then, Gluskabe resurrects the people that the wizard had killed, and escapes, sharing the tobacco with everyone. The grasshopper magician tries to pursue him, but the hero shrinks him down and fills his mouth with smoke. (1)

Grasshopper Eastern Symbolism

The meaning of the grasshopper in Chinese culture is a very positive one. It stands for good luck and health, longevity, happiness, prosperity, fertility, and virtue. 

Grasshoppers are even occasionally kept and nurtured as pets in Chinese homes. It is believed by some that these insects are the reincarnated forms of deceased loved ones.

Despite their more positive reputations, Chinese farmers have still struggled with the agricultural mayhem that locusts often cause. In one case, they even enlisted an army of ducks to combat the insects that plagued their fields.

In Feng Shui, the meaning of the grasshopper is that of wisdom and nobility, immortality and protection from traitors. It is believed that placing this insect near someone’s dying bed will help them to have a peaceful passing and good rebirth.

grasshopper

The Japanese often catch these delightful insects and keep them as pets. It is believed in Japan that grasshoppers bring good luck into the household. They are also treasured for their songs. 

Even so, it is not uncommon in these parts to eat locusts. The locust symbol signifies summertime presents, and it is common for children to try and catch them for entertainment.

Koreans have a festival for the grasshoppers as a rural food. It is a reminder of the hard times in which they had nothing better to eat, but despite this, it is also a joyful celebration of a favorite food. They even have cafés shaped like a locust.

Grasshopper Christianity symbolism

Christianity is not a stranger to eating grasshoppers either, as John the Baptist’s diet consisted of only “honey and locusts.” (2)

One biblical association with the grasshopper is that, like humankind, the grasshopper is a creature much smaller, less wise, and less powerful than God. Despite this, the grasshopper jumps up to twenty times its height and aspires towards the pinnacle of heaven.

When Moses and his people were somewhere between Egypt and Canaan, he sent some of them to scout the land and see if they could live there. 

grasshopper

Although it was described as being filled with honey and milk, the people were terrified that they were just the size of grasshoppers when compared to the giants that lived there. 

The Israelites had forgotten about the grasshopper’s ability to jump to the heavens, and it’s devastating strength when grouped with others.

The grasshopper also plays an important biblical role in the twelve plagues of Egypt. Locusts were the eighth plague brought upon Egypt after the pharaoh refused to free the Israelites from slavery . (3)

Grasshopper Celtic symbolism

In London, you might notice a prominent golden grasshopper upon the Royal Exchange building. But what do grasshoppers mean in finance? The grasshopper is there because it was the emblem of the Royal Exchange’s founder, Sir Thomas. 

When he was just a baby, Thomas’s ancestor was abandoned in the fields, and the sound of a grasshopper lured a woman towards him, and he was rescued. So, this old family legend became the reason that the grasshopper is such a prevalent symbol for the Royal Exchange today!

The grasshopper sign can also be found in heraldry as a symbol of wisdom and nobility, and it is sometimes pictured on the coats of arms of certain families.

grasshopper

In Scottish folklore, Maggy Moulach is a household spirit, called a brownie, that performs daily chores around the house during the night. The legend says that she used to travel through chimneys and steal children and then shapeshift into a grasshopper.

The grasshopper also features in the poetry of William Blake. Blake wrote about the grasshopper and described a funeral between these insects in his garden. William Blake describes the grasshoppers as faeries. 

At Blake’s grasshopper funeral, locusts were carrying their deceased on a rose leaf and singing until they vanished from sight. This is believed to be an omen of death. (4)

Grasshopper African symbolism

What do grasshoppers symbolize in Egypt? Because of the ten plagues during Moses’ time, which had the purpose of proving that there is only one true God, the locusts have a somewhat unfavorable significance. 

Each plague has a corresponding Egyptian God to it. When locusts were sent to destroy the fields for the eighth plague, it is linked to Seth, the God of storms and disasters.

By this time, the pharaoh still wouldn’t renounce his gods. The prophecy predicted that this plague would be so disastrous that the pharaoh would have to admit God’s power and teach it to his children and grandchildren.

grasshopper

Though Moses asked the pharaoh to release the people, he met with yet another refusal. So, the locusts were unleashed upon the fields of Egypt, bringing destruction and famine with them.

An African folktale describes the friendship between a toad and a grasshopper. Even though the grasshopper and the toad were good friends, they never ate together at each other’s houses, so they decided to do just that. 

At the toad’s home, the toad asked the grasshopper to wash his legs and stop making noise, which was difficult to do while eating.

When their situations were reversed, the toad couldn’t keep his legs clean either, proving that he had had unrealistic expectations for his friend. The friendship between the two animals ended, and the locust and toad came to represent the value of fairness and of accepting one’s own flaws. (5)

Grasshopper in dreams

What does a grasshopper symbolize in dreams? Dreaming of a grasshopper should be a reason to celebrate! Grasshopper dreams are often a sign of prosperity and good luck. Dreaming of the grasshopper indicates that success will soon enter your life.

A brown grasshopper is a symbol of your connection to Earth and nature. It may also indicate a need to find your roots.

Dreaming of a white grasshopper indicates a healthy friendship you have engaged in or a beautiful person you will soon meet. The albino grasshopper can also signify personal satisfaction and delight.

A bright green grasshopper may indicate envy or scandal. Beware of potential resentments in your relationships.

grasshopper

To dream of a grasshopper in your house may make you question why such a specific sign has appeared to you. If you find yourself asking, “why is a grasshopper in my house?” Don’t worry! A grasshopper in the house signifies good luck and success. It often indicates a much-needed change in careers.

Dreams in which you kill a grasshopper are positive omens, as it indicates that you are going to receive a lot of money that you can share with others.  A grasshopper dream involving a grasshopper coming out of your mouth, might be a sign of deception or slander.

The young grasshopper indicates a fast learner; you are gaining valuable information at a high speed. If the insect is dead in your dream, you may need to rely on the financial assistance of others. (6)

Grasshopper encounters and omens

What does it mean to see a grasshopper? This insect may be pushing you to take risks and to have faith in your future. As the locusts jump at such considerable heights, so must you take a leap of faith, because the spirits signify that wisdom and fortune are with you. 

Taking a leap of faith isn’t easy. It might mean a revision of career or vocation or another life-changing decision, but it is an opportunity that the grasshopper warns you not to miss.

The meaning of a grasshopper in your house or even on your bed, is that you must get past the obstacles and limitations that won’t let you advance and have faith in your imminent success. 

grasshopper

If you do encounter a grasshopper, try to avoid harming it. Killing a grasshopper can bring about terrible misfortune.

For someone that wants to get pregnant, the locust meaning is an omen of fertility and giving birth to a baby boy.

So are grasshoppers good luck? Usually, the answer is a resounding yes. It is a meaningful sign from the spirit world that you must not overlook. The spiritual meaning of the grasshopper is of the inner voice telling you to move forward and never look back, just as the locust leaps into the future without hesitation. (7)

Grasshopper mythology and folklore

Tithonus, a simple human, fell in love with the Greek goddess Eos. She pleaded with Zeus to make him immortal so that they could be together forever, but the sky and thunder god was jealous. Although Zeus did grant her wish, Tithonus still kept aging, to the point where his body was too weak to move on and his mind was senile. Not bearing to see him like this, the goddess turned him into a grasshopper, as it was believed that these insects were immortal.

A Greek folktale narrates how an ant collected food all summer through hard labor, and a lazy grasshopper would sleep, sing, and eat green grass all day.

grasshopper

When winter came, the latter begged the ant for food, but was faced with refusal and died of hunger.

 The grasshopper war is a folktale from the Native Americans in which are illustrated two villages living aside a river. People were amicable and did everything together until one of the children found a grasshopper, and a fight started between all of the children as to what village should keep the insect. 

Soon the parents joined in the bitter disagreement, and a quarrel broke throughout the land. In the end, friendships were broken even though the reason for the fight was trivial. (8)

Grasshopper spirit animal

When you have the grasshopper spirit animal, be prepared to take significant risks, and make life-changing decisions. You are an individual with an endless drive to advance into the future.

People with the spirit of the grasshopper are masters of camouflage, and mingling comes naturally to them. 

If you have the spirit animal grasshopper, you can adapt to any environment and speak anyone’s language with ease. 

Despite your uncanny ability to blend in, people will notice your lovable presence and enjoy your company.

Like in the ant and the grasshopper’s folktale, people with the grasshopper as their spirit animal are prone to daydream a lot. Be sure to act on your dreams in order to bring them to life.

The grasshopper spirit guide teaches you to listen to your inner voice, and dare to act on your desires, make the jump and achieve the best version of yourself.

The grasshopper spirit animal reminds people governed by this animal that obtaining material things in life is relatively easy for them. Thus, people with this spirit must learn to let go of material things and focus instead on spiritual progress.

People with this spirit animal are blessed with good luck, wealth, healthy and loving relationships, and everything they could ever want, but these blessings can lead to laziness and complacency. Be sure that you foster a positive attitude and a strong work ethic. (9)

Grasshopper totem animal

If you own a grasshopper animal totem, harness it to find your musical talents, whether these lie in your vocal abilities or in your ear for musical appreciation. 

If the grasshopper is your totem, then you are likely an individual with high intuition. You may find that spiritual communication comes easily to you thanks to the grasshopper’s guidance.

With this power comes a responsibility to guide and teach others who are in different stages of their spiritual journeys.

If this totem attracts you, then it may mean that you are intolerant of liars, close-minded individuals, and fools.

grasshopper

Although people who are guided by the grasshopper totem are generally good-natured, when they become wrathful they can be seriously destructive. Be sure to keep your worst tendencies in check. Arrogance, greed, laziness, and vengefulness are the main pitfalls of the grasshopper spirit’s personality type.

The grasshopper totem can guide you toward a meaningful love life. You will instinctively know when you have found your soulmate. The grasshopper reminds you to trust in your inner voice and to wait until you attract someone who is in tune with your soul’s unique music.

Grasshopper power animal

Grasshopper medicine assists you in your journeys. The grasshopper helps you to move forwards towards your destined future, even though you may not sometimes know where your next decision will take you. 

This insect’s song can be key to healing your body, mind, and soul. The vibrations it emits can be soothing to the soul. Additionally, the song of the grasshopper can assist in communication and spiritual projection.

The grasshopper’s power guides you towards accelerated progress. Be sure to go at a pace that suits you though.

grasshopper

Those who have invited this spirit into their life are prone to great things, but with this power in hand, they can also bring destruction. The grasshopper spirit has a tendency to cause harm when feeling insecure or suffering from hunger. 

Beware of greed and slothfulness which can be a result of indulging in the grasshopper’s power. People who channel the spirit of the grasshopper must pass their blessings along to others or else they may lose sight of what is important to them.

Grasshopper tattoo meaning

The grasshopper tattoo meaning is one of good luck and high intuition. People depict this animal on their skin as a reminder of the importance staying grounded and being creative.

These tattoos can also be a symbol of speed, creativity, or thinking on one’s feet. The grasshopper can also represent rhythm and the appreciation of music.

Grasshopper tattoo owners are often individuals who value their own judgement. People who choose this tattoo tend to be very self-assured and to have excellent intuition.

A grasshopper tattoo may be the right choice for you if you have a passion for music, if you like to take leaps of faith, or if you want a permanent reminder of the luck and spiritual wisdom that the grasshopper represents.

Conclusion

If you feel a spiritual connection to the grasshopper, then be sure to remember the virtues that this miniscule creature represents. Whether you have the grasshopper as your spirit animal, or you have been dreaming of this neat little bug, the grasshopper can be an excellent reminder of the importance of faith, insight, and humility. Most of all, if the grasshopper has become an important part of your life then go out and enjoy the good fortune that the grasshopper brings to you!

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15 thoughts on “Grasshopper Symbolism & Meaning (+Totem, Spirit & Omens)”

  1. Avatar

    I saw a grasshopper in my house today I almost kill it because I was scared but wen I went through d message now I felt so guilty wat am going to do now

    1. Avatar

      Me too it was unlikely large with prints i was scared i tried to harm it It stayed on my hanging tshirt i tried to harm it, it jumped and stayed in the curtain overnight. The next morning it jumped on my bed and face at me. I tried to kill it but instead of jumping it slowely crawled to the corner behind the books and dramatic as if taking it’s exit. I didnt realize the real message i feel sorry😭

  2. Avatar
    Esmeralda Delgado

    As i was getting of my car i saw an american bird grasshopper landed next to my apartment i ran to it as i thought it was a hummingbird but realized it wasnt so I went back to my car to grab something and it started flying behind me i was kinda. Scared and well brought me to this Amazing article ❤️👌

  3. Avatar

    I had a brown grasshopper jump on my shirt today I kind of spazzed out, trying to get it off of me because it startled me at first then something made me stop and think oh wait grasshoppers are good luck. I checked around me to make sure it was not injured, and I saw it sitting on the ground right next to where I was standing, seemingly fine. which then led me to this article, I really hope I did not injure it. I had a miscarriage recently, and I pray for fertility. Thank you for this article.

  4. Avatar

    I found a baby grasshopper floating in a barrel of water outside so I swooped him up and let him get his thoughts about him then set him on a leaf of a sunflower.

  5. Avatar

    Thank you so much for this information. It has brought much needed clarification. Very insightful. 🙌🏽🙏🏽💖✨🌈🙏🏽

  6. Avatar

    I saw a grasshopper on my windshield, had to drive on highway as I was already getting on highway. It was on my wiper windshield and held on for the 15 minute drive on highway. I dropped off my daughter, decided not to take highway but back road and still it held on. Came back home and still was on my car wipers, then windshield. I spoke to it and said “ thank you for riding with me, have a nice day” and left it there. In my heart I felt it was my deceased dad visiting me to tell me everything will be alright while I am going through things. 🙏🏼❤️

  7. Avatar

    My roommate found this beautiful little female grasshopper who appeared to be giving birth. I only wish that she could have lived to see her babies, however I believe she may be dying. She and I are connected in some way and as crazy as it sounds, we made eye contact several times – she has the most beautiful red 👁s. She is missing a leg and I feel a sense of peace that she does not feel pain. What an amazing experience.

  8. Avatar
    ANDRYCHIEWICZ DANUTA

    ♥️THANKS♥️ for VERY GOOD MESSAGE
    about “THE 🌴GREEN GRASSHOPPER🌴”,
    VERY OFTEN I SEE ON MY BALCONY,
    ♥️LOVE IT♥️

  9. Avatar

    Thank you for making me to understand the meaning and the message that something small has a meaning to me.

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