Scarab beetles held religious and cultural symbolism in Old Egypt, Greece and some shamanistic Old World cultures. The ancient Chinese regarded cicadas as symbols of rebirth or immortality. In Mesopotamian literature, the epic poem of Gilgamesh has allusions to Odonata which signify the impossibility of immortality. Amongst the Aborigines of Australia of the Arrernte language groups, honey ants and witchety grubs served as personal clan totems. In the case of the 'San' bush-men of the Kalahari, it is the praying mantis which holds much cultural significance including creation and zen-like patience in waiting.:9 COUNT 5
QSN1 What ancient world insect is considered symbolic? ANS1 Scarab beetles QSN2 Cicadas symbolize immortality in what culture? ANS2 Chinese QSN3 The praying mantis symbolizes patience and what else? ANS3 creation QSN4 Witchety grubs serve as personal clan totems in what country? ANS4 Australia QSN5 What kind of ants are symbolic among the Australian Aborigines? ANS5 honey ants