Praying Mantis Symbolism. A practiced and formidable adversary. Praying Mantis Symbolism ~:~ It is always good luck to find a Praying Mantis. The Praying Mantis is agile, nimble and quick, like a ninja making it a formidable adversary. The elegant dance of the Praying Mantis has a hypnotizing effect, it draws you in wondering what the next move might be.