Ladybird, Ladybird

Ladybird Facts and Lore

Factual information about ladybirds/ladybugs may increase our appreciation of this rhyme.

The Ladybird beetle has over 4,000 species worldwide. The ladybird is harmless to humans and helpful in the garden with its voracious appetite for plant-eating bugs. (Fischer-Nagel) Awe for the ladybird is reflected in charming folklore almost everywhere in the world. Many ladybird tales have religious connections. (Baring-Gould) In India they are called Indra's cowherds after the goddess Indra. They are known as god's little cows or cowladies in England. The French call them cows of the Lord. In Sweden they are called Virgin Mary's little hens. (Ross) In English ladybird means our lady's bird, referring to Mary, "Our Lady," mother of Jesus. (Baring-Gould) Where the number seven is considered good luck, it is believed the ladybird brings good fortune because of the seven black spots on its hard, red, outer shell. (Fischer-Nagel) Ladybirds have also been called ladyflies and ladycows. In English and European folklore ladybirds predicted plentiful crops, good weather, and the guarantee of a husband within a year if a ladybird crawled on a young woman's hand. It was said the little insect was measuring her hand for her wedding gloves. Ladybirds were used to cure toothaches by crushing them and stuffing them into the cavity. Farmers knew of the ladybird's benevolent deeds in keeping harmful insects under control. Before they would set fires to clear their fields, they would call out this warning, "Ladybird, ladybird, fly away home. Your house is on fire and your children will burn." (Ross).