Ladybug II

A local folklore tale tells us that insects were destroying local crops, so the Catholic farmers prayed to the Virgin Mary for help. After a while the Ladybirds came. They ate the plant-destroying pests and saved the crops! The farmers began calling the ladybirds ‘The Beetles of Our Lady’, and they eventually became known as Lady Beetles. The red wings represented the Virgins cloak and the black spots represented her joys and sorrows.

In the 1800’s, some doctors used Ladybirds to treat measles!  They also believed that if you mashed Ladybirds and put them into a cavity, the insects would stop a toothache! This would taste revolting as Ladybirds have a bitter foul taste as they emit a yellow substance.

The Victorians in Britain believed that if a Ladybird alighted on your hand, you would be receiving new gloves…..if it landed on your head, a new hat would be in your future.

In France, if a Ladybird landed on you, whatever ailment you had would fly away with the Ladybird.

In some Asian cultures, it is believed that the Ladybird understands human language, and has been blessed by God, Himself.

In Belgium, people believed that if a Ladybird crawled across a young girl’s hand, she would be married within a year. 

People in Switzerland told their young children that they were brought to them, as babies, by Ladybirds.

According to a Norse legend, the Ladybird came to earth riding on a bolt of lightning.

 However you understand them… enjoy them!