Meaning
The praying mantis — the long, slender green insect that holds its front legs together as if in prayer. Its reverent Jamaican names ('god horse', 'god-a-me-horse') come from that praying pose, and folk belief treats it with a certain respect, warning children not to harm it.
Examples
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A god-horse siddung pon di leaf.
A praying mantis is sitting on the leaf.
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Nuh trouble di god-horse.
Don't disturb the praying mantis.
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Di god-horse hol up him foot like him a pray.
The mantis holds up its legs as if praying.
Origin
From the insect's 'praying' pose; 'god horse' / 'god-a-me-horse' reflect folk reverence. See [[peenie-wallie]], [[duck-ants]].
How it’s used
The praying mantis; treated with folk respect. See [[peenie-wallie]], [[croaking-lizard]].