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The change in weather has brought beautiful colors to our mountain as the leaves all turn to bright red, yellow and orange. The cool temperatures have also brought the ladybugs that usually fly around outside among those beautiful trees into our homes. Every year I am amazed at the abundance of these flying beetles in our mountains.
Ladybugs have long been mentioned in traditional European and North American folklore. In Europe, during the Middle Ages, insects were destroying the crops, so the Catholic farmers prayed to the Virgin Mary for help. Soon the Ladybugs came, ate the plant-destroying pests and saved the crops!
The farmers began calling the ladybugs “The Beetles of Our Lady”, and they eventually became known as “Lady Beetles”! The red wings represented the Virgin’s cloak and the black spots represented her joys and sorrows.
In Sweden, folks believe that if a ladybug lands on a young maiden’s hand, she will soon be getting married.
It’s been said that if you find a ladybug in your house, count the number of spots and that is how many dollars you will soon receive.
In England, finding a ladybug means that you will have a good harvest.
In France, if you are sick and a ladybug lands on you, when it flies away, it will take the sickness with it.
Along with all of the ladybug lore above, there are several interesting facts about the insects. Did you know:
• There are nearly 5,000 different kinds of ladybugs worldwide and 400 that live in North America?
• A female ladybug will lay more than 1000 eggs in her lifetime.
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