Glass pendents with frogs like these were considered as lucky charms, potent apotropaic pendants to be worn on the body. The frog was depicted both as a solitary figure, or accompanied with an inscription, usually ‘ZOE’, meaning ‘life’ in Greek. Thus they were powerful symbols of rebirth, and accompanied the deceased during their afterlife. The Romans associated frogs with harmony and life, they were sacred animals protected by Venus, connecting with the goddess’ licentiousness and fertility. The amphibious character of the frogs, living between water and earth, inspired Roman people to associate them with metamorphosis, transformation and regeneration, and were used as powerful charms in times of change. Frogs were also important characters in ancient mythology, in plays (such as ‘The Frogs’, by Aristophanes) and in the fables of Aesop and Phaedrus. In literature they are often portrayed as light-hearted and playful, they could be frivolous or quick to leap into things, rushing to decisions and usually getting in trouble.
For more information about the meanings of animals in Roman art, see our relevant blog post: Animal Symbolism in Roman Art.