Centipedes (and millipedes) can be counted among the ultimate "creepy crawlies," and they are rather the subject of horror than fascination.[1]
Associations[]
- Instrument of horror
- The ultimate "creepy-crawlies" that are usually subjects of horror rather than fascination.[1]
- The Underworld
- Centipedes live in the dirt, with a preference for hidden places, such as under rocks and inside dead logs.[1]
- Death and decay, the afterlife or Underworld, occult forces, taboo subjects
- Coordination and maneuverability
- "The centipede is a symbol of coordinated efforts. If you are a dancer or athlete, the centipede can be especially helpful. Moving all of its legs in sync, the centipede inspires us to keep up with the complex dance of life."
- Centipedes possess an unusual anatomy, which connects them to speed and dexterity.
- Venomous sting
- centipedes possess a venomous sting. this associates them with both sickness and medicine.[1]
- Speed and dexterity, sickness and medicine; Good luck, energy, healing
- Ferocity of small creatures
- "It is said that centipedes are among the only things that dragons fear, [so they can also] represent power and ferocity that even the smallest of creatures can embody."[1]
- Ferocity, fearsome, power, monstrous
- Courage to confront one's fears
- Fear itself is perhaps the strongest association with centipedes. "Centipedes represent anxieties, phobias both rational and irrational, and nightmares. Because of this, centipedes can also represent the courageous act of confronting one’s fears."[1]
- Fear, phobias, anxieties, nightmares
Myth[]
- Native American
- Deeply connected to shamanism.
- Fearsome and monstrous; Wisdom, longevity, foresight
- Navajo
- Giant centipedes who could jump high and launch themselves at the vulnerable necks of their victims. They were born from the blood of the primordial monsters.
- Evil, ancient power, the Underworld
- Zuni folk tale
- "The young brothers Ahaiyuta and Matsailema, who stole the lightning-shaft and the thunder-stone from the Gods of Rain. The two boys were helped by their grandfather, the Centipede, who was larger back then. When the Gods of Rain discovered the theft, they punished the Centipede by handing him the lightning-shaft, which burned him until he became smaller."
- Hawaii
- "Hawaiian centipede myths feature the trickster Iro who was betrayed by his birthmark in the shape of a centipede."
- Among the Five Poisons
- In traditional Chinese medicine, the centipede was thought to have the ability to treat convulsions. When "depicted on amulets and talismans, its role was to represent the liver function and to clear toxins from the body."
- Significant and powerful
- The Omukade in Japanese mythology
- A giant centipede yokai that served as the messenger of the god of warfare. It was believed to have the power to hunt and eat humans and dragons alike. Its one weakness is human saliva.
- Korean legend
- "The centipede woman competed with the serpent to ascend to the heavens. In this story, a poor man unable to provide for his family decided to climb the mountain to die there. On the road, he meets a woman who invites him to stay with her. The man accepts but after a while he starts to miss his family. The woman lets him go home after she warns him not to listen to anyone else on the road. The man arrives back at home and learns that his family is fine with the help of the mountain woman. He decides to return to her and thank her for her help. On his way back to the woman, he encounters a serpent which took the form of a dead ancestor. The snake tells him that the woman is a centipede and to kill her. The man refuses. With the help of the man’s trust, the centipede ascends to heaven."
- Christianity
- "[They] are not frequently mentioned in either the Bible itself or Christian religious iconography. When centipedes do appear, they are usually representative of sin, evil, and death. Due to its venomous sting, the centipede may be connected with death and witchcraft. Lurking in damp, dirty places, the centipede may also be connected with Hell or Purgatory."
- "The Rutland Psalter depicts a many-legged dragon, that is reminiscent of the centipede.
- Sin, evil, death; Death, witchcraft; Hell, purgatory
- Celtic folklore
- They're uncommon figures in Celtic folklore, but they are thought of as a symbol of death, it seems. The Irish banshee was often depicted as an older woman surrounded by creepy crawlers such as spiders and centipedes.
- The Celtic spiral
- The millipede has a habit of curling up into a spiral when attacked.
- Wisdom, introspection, arcane knowledge
- "Shongololo" on the African east coast
- The giant African millipede is a particular species that is sometimes kept as a pet.
- Sepa of Ancient Egypt
- A centipede god, sometimes referred to as the "centipede of Horus." "Ancient Egyptians noticed that insects fed on the corpses of the dead, but that the centipede hunted these insects, so the centipede was thought of as a protector of the dead. Sepa was thought to prevent venomous attacks from creatures like snakes. He was also connected with fertility."
- Protector of the dead, fertility
Symbolism[]
- Dreams
- They might feel intimidating or scary, but depending on the context, they might be serving as messengers. Centipedes often represent hidden things, and may relate to a secret or repressed desire or trait. It can also represent forward progress, through its speed and maneuverability. Otherwise, they can also represent liars in one's life, who're keeping (dangerous) secrets from you.
- Encounters and Omens (Supersitition)
- For Koreans, they may be a sign of prosperity and wealth on the horizon. In fact, their word for the critter literally means "money bug", so killing one might be a bad financial move!
- For people of Martinique, it's thought that if you kill a centipede, you will receive money. Consequently, people find great pleasure in killing these creatures.
- In many regions of Africa, giant millipedes are often kept as pets. Seeing one in one's house is a sign of good luck and joy.
- Spirit animal
- "If the centipede is your spirit animal, then you are naturally inclined towards financial success. The centipede has a natural talent for attracting wealth, but may be hurt by its laziness and greed. Make sure that you work hard to earn your goals so that you can attract rich experiences and relationships into your life instead of just money."
- Balance, moderation, health, efficiency; Level-headed and judicious
- Totem animal
- Those who move through life with ease and grace. These people possess the ability to coordinate their talents to enhance success.
- "As the Centipede grows more legs as it matures, people with this totem might be late bloomers. People with the centipede or millipede totem animal keep their calm in extreme situations and maintain their laser focus. People with the centipede totem crave stability and, despite their qualities, are shy. In an attempt to avoid the spotlight, they might become a bit reclusive."
- Coordination, ease and grace, late bloomers, shy, reclusive
- "In Eastern culture, the centipede is a powerful animal associated with war leaders because frightens even the bravest of beasts."
- "When attacked, the millipede curls up in a spiral. People with the millipede totem tend to be drawn to patterns and puzzles. They can be very creative despite having trouble expressing themselves."
- Power animal
- Summon if you need guidance to overcome obstacles, and it is especially helpful in periods of crisis, and can help you endure difficult situations. It can help you find your hidden capabilities in times of need, by enhancing your focus and bringing out your hidden potential.
- Tattoo
- Symbol of protection, especially for travelers.
- Longevity, healing, growth; Death, memento mori