Animal Symbolism - Ladybird

Hello all! We're returning to our most stressful series with the Ladybug! 

This is going to be a long one!

Ladybugs, also known as Ladybirds in the UK so I will be switching between the 2, are part of the beetle family and their fancy science name is Coccinellidae. There are over 6,000 recognised species that come in a variety of colours and patterns, for example (picture from Google)

Basic Symbolism 

The general symbolism is:

- Good luck 

- Healing 

- Love 

- Protection 

- Granting wishes 

Please note that each colour has added Symbolism as does the number of spots but if I listed each colour and spot for every segment, I'd be here for ever!

Native American

To some indigenous tribes the Ladybug symbolises:

- Interconnectivity of all life 

- Protection 

- Spiritual renewal and regeneration 

- Good fortune 

- Duality 

- Rain

- Goodness 

- Positivity 

- The Cycle of life 

The Cherokee especially see them as symbols of protection, life, death, rebirth and good fortune and is believed to embody the Great Spirit 

Eastern Symbolism 

Most Asian cultures regard the Ladybug as an indication of good luck and protection. In some parts of Asia, if you release a Ladybug it is believed that a wish you have will come true

In Japan, the colour red is associated with the sun, which is said to ward off evil and malevolent spirits. Ladybugs are often referred to as Tentomushi

To the Chinese, Ladybugs bring good fortune, with a particular emphasis on good fortune in love where they can foretell of an impending romance or of a deeper connection within an existing romance 

In Indian folklore, if a Ladybug visits your house, blessings are sure omto follow. They are also associated with prosperity and happiness 

For Indonesians, they are symbols of lusk as they eat other insects that are considered pests 

In Korea, if a lone red female (not sure how to tell the difference) is seen flying or is seen perched with open wings, the one who spotted her will always have money 

Christian 

The most common Ladybird, especially in England, is the red seven spotted Ladybird and as such is associated with the Virgin Mary due to its red colouring being associated with the blood of Christ and the spots indicate Mary's Seven Sorrows 

Slavic

In Slavic mythology, the Ladybird is associated with happiness. In Russian, their word for Ladybird roughly translates to God's Little Cow or God's Cow 

Celtic 

To Irish Celts, Ladybirds were a symbol of protection and if you were to kill one, even accidentally, bad luck was sure to follow 

Some people in Scotland, refere to Ladybirds as Ladyclocks. In Scottish folklore, if a Ladybird landed on a young woman and was released, the direction it flew off in would be the direction a potential suiter would come from 

The number of spots is also said to predict how much money you'd make or when you'd possibly meet your future spouse 

They are also bringers of joy, rebirth, good weather and children and could ward off evil with their wings 

Ancient Egyptian/African 

In Ancient Egypt, the Ladybug was seen as a symbol of rebirth 

For some African cultures, the Ladybug means, good fortune, unity, love and friendship but to some it means an upcoming illness that can only be cured by traditional medicines

In Nigeria, a person is believed to gain beauty and other skin benefits if a Ladybug s rubbed on the body, positive luck with love is also said to follow 

In Zimbabwe, Ladybugs are supposedly physical representations of deceased ancestors who have come to protect their descendants, mostly children, so they shouldn't be killed 

In parts of Senegal, Ladybugs have been linked to menstration rituals and also indicate that someone is in need of protection or luck

Norse 

In Norse mythology, the Ladybird is associated with the Goddess Freya. They are also said to be a gift from Thor and were supposedly brought to earth by lightning bolts

In Sweden, it was a popular belief that if a Ladybird landed on a single young woman's hand, she would be destined to be married

I couldn't find anything specific for Polynesian, South American, Maōri or Aboriginal beliefs 

I think we'll leave that there, now I remember why I find this series so stressful! Any further posts will be few and far between. If anything is wrong or if something needs to be added, please let me know!

Blessings,

C )0(