Are ladybugs good luck? The symbolism behind the insect
People have beliefs associated with different things, especially animals. They believe seeing an animal would mean something good or bad will come their way. Are ladybugs good luck? The insects have largely been associated with superstition, and seeing them may hold different meanings. Jeffrey Lockwood, a Professor of Natural Sciences and Humanities at the University of Wyoming, sheds insights into ladybugs' symbolism.
Source: UGC
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Ladybugs are beautiful insects with black spots and varying colours on the coats. They gained popularity in ancient times because they kept other destructive insects at bay on European farms. Many cultures have also associated them with good omen. Should you be worried when you see the insect?
Are ladybugs good luck?
The name ladybug can be traced back to ancient European farmers who prayed for the Mother of God’s intervention after pests infested their crops. To their relief, the ladybugs eradicated the pests, and the farmers named them Beetle of Our Lady. Later, it was shortened to ladybug, gaining popularity in other parts of the world.
The beautiful insects hold multiple meanings to different people. Here is what the ladybugs symbolise.
1. Good fortune
The spiritual meaning of a ladybug landing on you is good luck. It is a good tiding if the insect is found on you or your property as it is believed that the insect brings good fortune. The insect comes with good luck; thus, there is no need to worry if it perches on you or when you find one on your property.
Source: UGC
2. Fertility & rebirth
The insects love warm weather and seem to multiply fast in such favourable conditions. Therefore, they are thought to be a symbol of fertility and rebirth. The insect's presence on your property could mean your family will soon welcome another member.
3. Protection
Many farmers see ladybugs as a symbol of protection. The insects are known to protect crops by eating other insects which damage them. For instance, it can eat approximately 5,000 insects in its lifetime. Therefore, for many people, they are protectors and life-givers.
4. True love
Are ladybugs good luck for love? Many people think ladybugs are beautiful animals and associate their beauty with love. Sighting the insect may mean you have found true love or love is coming your way with someone new.
5. Adaptability
Not many animals can change and adapt to different conditions as these insects do. They can hibernate and come out when conditions are favourable. Ladybugs also have different stages of life through metamorphosis. Due to their ability to hibernate and metamorphosis, they are associated with adaptability and resilience.
Why are ladybugs considered symbols of good luck?
In an interview, Jeffrey Lockwood, a natural sciences and humanities professor at the University of Wyoming, said that ladybugs have features not associated with adverse responses. He explained that ladybugs lack the traits that make many arthropods anxiety-inducing, such as speed, sliminess, or sudden movements.
The lack may open the door to positive interpretations, including luckiness. The seven-spotted lady beetle, Coccinella septempunctata, is Europe's most common ladybird beetle. Seven is often seen as a lucky number in Western cultures (including various African and Asian cultures).
Dr. Lockwood said studies have shown that ladybird beetles are seen as endearing, much like butterflies, and rank high on lists of beloved insects across cultures.
What folklore or myths link ladybugs to cultures?
Dr. Lockwood said ladybugs appear in various myths and children's stories, often symbolizing luck, protection, or transformation. He highlights:
- Western culture
There is a traditional story that during the Middle Ages, a plague of small insects attacked crops and threatened Europeans with starvation. After they prayed to the Mother of God, a mass of black-spotted, red beetles arrived and destroyed the pests. The people called these savior insects Our Lady's Beetle'—a common name that eventually became 'ladybeetle,' 'ladybird beetle,' or 'ladybug.'
Traditions also link ladybeetles to the red cloak that the Mother of God is sometimes portrayed as wearing in paintings.
- Children's literature
Dr. Lockwood said ladybugs have also been celebrated through stories like Eric Carle's book; he explained that these tales build on ancient traditions where Western myths portrayed that insects represent virtues:
- Ladybugs: Good works and fortune telling.
- Ants: Industry and thrift
- Bees: Cooperation and chastity
- Butterflies: Beauty and transformation
- Crickets: Happiness and domesticity
- Moths: Soul and afterlife
- Scarab beetles: Renewal and creation.
Ladybugs' meanings depending on their colour
Even though the insects have multiple colours, red, orange, and yellow are the most common. Besides the general symbols of the insects, the colour of a ladybug may also hold a specific meaning.
- Orange: It is associated with healing and fertility.
- Red: Represents power, freedom and protection.
- Yellow: Symbolises good luck and prosperity.
What should you do when you see a ladybug?
If you see ladybugs regularly, try interpreting what it means. You might see them individually or as a group. It is a personal message if you see the insects yourself, but if you see them as a group, it is a collective message.
Source: UGC
A ladybug may have varying meanings to different people depending on their contexts. You should assess your situation to get the correct meaning: what you are going through, thinking, or saying when you saw the insect. For instance, if the insect lands on you when you are thinking about a romantic relationship with someone, it would mean you found love.
FAQs
- Why are ladybugs named after the Mother of God? Ancient European farmers prayed to the Mother of God to protect their crops from pest damage. It was previously called Beetle of Our Lady before being changed to ladybug.
- Is ladybug good or bad? Generally, they are good. Farmers love them on their farms because they are not destructive and eat other insects that damage crops. Many people believe they are a good luck sign.
- What does it mean when a ladybug visits you? If the insect lands on you or you find it in your home, it means good luck and something good is about to happen to you.
- Are ladybugs a sign from angels? Some believe they symbolise protection and signify that your guardian angel is watching you.
- Is it bad luck to kill a ladybug? While many agree that the insect symbolises good luck, some superstitions hold that bad things will likely come your way if you kill them.
- Are ladybugs good luck in your car? Finding the insect in your vehicle would mean that you will have a safe journey.
- How many colours do ladybugs have? They have numerous colours, but red, yellow, and orange are the most common.
Are ladybugs good luck? Many cultures have associated the insect with the happening of good things, such as good luck, protection, and love. Should you come across these insects, you should not worry; instead, be happy as they are unharmful and it is a s sign that good things will likely come your way.
Legit.ng recently published a list of symbols of strengths. People believe that their strengths lie somewhere or on something. They believe the symbols inspire confidence, resilience, and perseverance to overcome certain situations.
Strength is a crucial attribute everyone should have, regardless of their culture. Different things have helped people gain strength and the power to surmount any obstacle. Find out the symbols for strength for different cultures.
Source: Legit.ng
Muhunya Muhonji (Lifestyle writer) Muhunya is a graduate of Agricultural Economics from Egerton University, Class of 2014, with a passion for storytelling and content creation. Since joining Legit.ng as a writer in July 2021, he has covered diverse topics such as entertainment, technology, business, and biographies. His journalism journey has seen him complete multiple professional courses, including the AFP Digital Investigation Techniques course (2023), the Google News Initiative course (March 2024), and Fact-Checking and Research training (September 2024). Email: muhunyah@gmail.com
Mary Ugbodaga (Lifestyle Journalist) Mary Ugbodaga is a Legit.ng journalist with 7 years of experience in journalism and media communications. She graduated from Covenant University in 2018 with a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication/Media Studies. Mary previously worked as a journalist at TheCable, CNBC AFRICA, Voice of Nigeria, KPMG Nigeria. Email: mary.ugbodaga@corp.legit.ng.
