Want to know the spiritual meaning of ladybugs: here are 18 signs, meanings and myths of ladybug symbolism for you to know.
A ladybug is a tiny spot of brightness, a flash of colors that brightens up your day with their arrival. Since childhood, we are often told to never harm a ladybug and if it lands on you we should make a wish!
Ladybugs are one of the few beetles that people are less likely to kill or be repulsed by. They are not poisonous or harmful to us, nor do they bite or otherwise bother us when they show up in our midst.
To the contrary, they help keep our plants and crops safe from aphid infestations. Such a benign and benevolent insect is bound to raise feelings of wonderment and gratitude in us. A lot of symbolism and myths about ladybugs are formed due to such feelings of wonderment and appreciation.
In most cultures, ladybugs symbolize innocence, new beginnings from humble roots, true love, good fortune and good luck, positive resolutions to problems you are facing in life and the ability and pathway to making the right choices as you continue through life.
The bright and colorful looks symbolize living life to the full, without discernible boundaries. The bounties that the ladybug could bring to a person do not necessarily need to be defined by financial prosperity, they could be spiritual, personal or beneficial in some other respect.
What is the Spiritual Meaning of Ladybugs?
Ladybugs are treated very differently than most other insects – who are considered to be annoying or even dangerous. There is very little negativity associated with them. So, while dreaming of insects may often symbolize death and pestilence (think about the plague of locusts in the Bible), ladybugs portend good fortune and new beginnings.
In fact, in many cultures, it is believed that ladybugs can carry your illnesses away – folk medicines involving the ladybug as a cure for toothaches, stomach problems and measles.
Like all flying insects and birds, ladybugs symbolize soaring hopes and a means for earthbound humans to communicate with the Gods in the heavens – this is why a ladybug alighting on someone and then taking off symbolizes that their wishes will now be conveyed to the Gods.
Certain cultures, such as the Ancient Celts, not only believed that a ladybug brought luck, they believed that a ladybug carried your wishes to God. The ladybug was a symbol of protection in Celtic/Irish mythology – and to kill one was extreme bad luck.
They took careful note of encounters with ladybugs and there were many prognostications of what would befall someone if a ladybug was encountered. In general, it signified good fortune, positive transition and protection, and the ladybug was not to be harmed.
In many cultures, a ladybug arriving at the same time as a newborn is supposed to be extremely fortuitous, showing that the newborn is slated to live a life of plenty and prosperity.
Some specific areas of significance are discussed in greater detail below.
What is the Biblical Meaning of a Ladybug?
Ladybugs hold a position of respect within biblical teaching and are associated with good luck and the Virgin Mary.
The spots on the insect’s body were considered by European Christians to represent the seven sorrows of Mary. The clincher, apparently, was that after farmers prayed to the Virgin for the protection of their crops, ladybugs appeared in substantial quantities.
The same farmers then called these bugs “Beetles of Our Lady” – a name which evolved into the name of “ladybugs”, combining the etymology of the insects with the Virgin Mary.
Are ladybugs a good omen?
Ladybugs are definitely considered to be a sign of good fortune. The orange ladybug, in particular is considered to be a strong omen for good luck.
Many cultures believe that they appear close to you during times of extreme stress or when you have been awaiting the arrival of good fortune – their presence is meant to reassure you that things are about to change for the better, not to fret but calmly await positive developments.
The ladybug is unobtrusive, since it doesn’t bite or create a nuisance – but you can’t miss its bright and colorful existence. So, her presence is meant to comfort and calm you during times of turbulence, portraying better times ahead.
Many cultures, including the Chinese, Italian and Americans, consider ladybugs a sign of good luck. The Britons believe that counting the spots on a ladybug is akin to counting one’s blessings, especially the ones that are already surrounding you.
Are Ladybugs a Symbol of Love?
Ladybugs are a symbol of new beginnings, and often portend the possibility of meeting up with a long-lost love. As mentioned below, the Norse believed that ladybugs were summoned to the Earth by Freya, the Goddess of Love, herself.
English folklore holds that if a ladybug were to land on your hand, you will be married within the year. The Shepherd’s Week from John Gay (1714) contains the following lines, exemplifying the general sense of what it means for young lovers to see the ladybug:
“This lady-fly I take from the grass
Whose spotted back might scarlet red surpass?
Fly, lady-bird, north, south, or east or west
Fly where the man is found that I love best.”
On a related note, there is a specific meaning attached to recently married couples who are visited by ladybugs – along the lines of the name Italians give to them which is “commaruccia” or “little midwives”. The belief is that the number of spots on the ladybug spotted represents the number of children on would have.
In old Asian tradition, it is said that if you can catch a ladybug, whisper words of love in its ears and release it, the bug will fly to your beloved – whispering your name. Once your beau hears the ladybug, he or she will be struck with love and come back to you.
Another interpretation that is commonly made is that if you see a ladybug without any spots – it portends that there will be no barriers to your love, it will be smooth sailing from here on out.
Are Ladybugs a Symbol of Transition?
Just like your own fortunes can change from a humble beginning to fruition through your efforts and perseverance, ladybugs evolve from an odd-looking larva to one of the brightest and prettiest creatures in existence.
This metamorphosis is captured as a symbol of transition in our minds – a ladybug showing up in our midst is equated with a process of transformation, perhaps a profound transformation in your daily existence. The ladybug teaches us to be patient and persevere, that good things will happen if we persevere and allow the change to evolve with ease, simplicity, purpose and good spirit.
What is the symbolism of a ladybug?
A ladybug landing on, or in, your car is taken to identify an overall good omen – a signal that your journey will be safe and fruitful, that you will achieve whatever objective you set out with.
If you are without direction in your travels, an alighting ladybug signifies that you will make your way back to your loved ones and be successful in whatever endeavors you were striving for.
Newborn babies are frequently offered gifts that feature ladybugs. The idea is that ladybugs in any form are a talisman of safe keeping and protection – signifying prosperity and well being for the baby and the family in charge.
Lady Bugs in Native American Culture
Ladybugs have a strong positive connotation in Native American culture, unlike most insects that are typically associated with bad luck, evil witchcraft and diseases. This is mostly due to the fact that ladybugs are not harmful to humans, nor do they bite or otherwise bother us.
Native Americans are strong believers in the connection of humans with Mother Nature, plus natural humility and meekness. The ladybug combines positivity with each of these traits.
In Shamanism, the ladybug represents spirituality and undying religious devotion. The relative shortness of the bug’s bright, colorful and productive light is meant to signify that life is too short – and not to let fears, uncertainties and doubts rule our lives, but rather live life to the fullest.
The lesson is to live life to the fullest, focusing on the positive aspects and the impacts on the soul, to leave a message that resounds across generations.
The Ladybug Totem
The ladybug is a powerful totem animal. Just like the badger helps you build, the ladybug represents new beginnings – a symbol that your projects, goals and aspirations will come to fruition with the blessing of the ladybug. Those who truly believe in their powers will be blessed.
There is, however, a dark side for non-believers. Those who do not sincerely believe in the positive powers of the ladybug may find their minds clouded and their hopes and dreams thwarted – this may be a self-fulfilling prophecy since the person himself is prone to focus only on the bad and negative aspects of their existence, the ladybug totem does not get them out of their misery and feelings of misfortune.
Lady Bug Spirit Animal
The appearance of a ladybug is a powerful spirit animal symbol, since she represents oneness with Mother Nature, the coming of bounties and all that is good in the world. The appearance of a ladybug spirit is the occasion to make a wish, then watching it fly away to convey that wish to the greater powers of the universe.
The spirit animal is supposed to calm you down and let you hold your composure during difficult times, knowing that your patience will be rewarded with a new beginning – just as a plain and odd-looking larva turns into the bright and colorful ladybug. Like the honeybee, the ladybug makes you feel playful and childlike, taking you away from the daily grind of everyday existence.
During times of trouble, believers will summon the ladybug spirit animal to get them safely past the turbulence and into safe harbors.
What does it Mean to Dream about Ladybugs?
Dreaming about ladybugs is interpreted in different ways, but the general idea is that there is some specific news that is coming your way – it could be good or bad depending on the circumstances.
The standard interpretation is that ladybugs are a portender of good news – sometimes from the least expected sources. In this way of thinking, a dream about ladybugs is a positive omen – usually about the success of relationships, planning, hard work, changes in your immediate and long-term circumstances and the expectation that you would be making progress in life.
If you dream of seeing ladybugs in your garden or your fields, it is considered to be a sign that you are blessed with good fortune – and that you should be true to yourself, planting the seeds of whatever plans you want to formulate and proceed with them, your efforts will succeed and bring you wealth and gains. A larger than life ladybug could signify an abundance of choices stretching out in front of you.
A ladybug in flight could be interpreted in a number of different ways. If you spot one in flight, unhindered, it implies freedom and prosperity in terms of your endeavors. On the other hand, if you spot a ladybug flying away from you, it may signify that you have missed an opportunity or not taken a fulfilling path.
If the ladybug has landed, paused, and then flown away, it is carrying your wishes upwards to the universe, as we discussed before. If one is flying towards you, it signifies an approach of good fortune – an opportunity that should be considered to portend success in your endeavors.
There are negative variations as well. For example, sometimes a ladybug dream is interpreted as a strong indication that you need to be more proactive, responsible or careful in terms of whatever you might be engaged in at the moment.
It may be an indication that you need to get past something that is annoying you, regardless of how painful it might be – a difficult chore, a cantankerous child or a business relationship that is not going the way you want it to go.
If you dream of being attacked by ladybugs, it may suggest that the things you wish to most avoid – such as the unpleasant thoughts, annoyances, or feelings that you would rather not deal with – need to be confronted if you are to proceed to the next level in your personal and professional life.
The context of dreaming about ladybugs is thus dichotomous – either it signifies that good things are coming, since you have overcome whatever barriers were present in front of you; or that your indecision or inability to reach a solution is causing the adorable and harmless looking ladybug to get “squashed” – it’s akin to kicking a puppy or slapping an adorable child, a brutish solution without solving the underlying problem.
if you dream of a dead ladybug, it could signify the death of your aspirations or an adverse shock. Also, if you dream of a ladybug just falling by you, it could signify how your projects may suffer delays – it may serve as a warning that you should prepare for such an eventuality.
What does it Mean to See a Ladybug Landing?
A ladybug landing on you is always meant to symbolize good fortune smiling on the person who the bug lands on. Some cultures carry the imagery further. To the Celts, a ladybug landing on you would be the occasion to make a wish. When the ladybug took off, it would carry your wish upward to God.
Most cultures view ladybugs landing, and then taking off of their own volition, to be an enormously positive omen – it may be a signal that your wishes are about to come true, or that your ailments will be healed.
If a ladybug lands on your clothes, it could be a sign that you are about to get new clothes – similar to molting or the transformation from a larva to an adult ladybug. If the ladybug alights momentarily, then flies away almost immediately, it shows that the next Church day (Sunday) is going to be a bright and sunny day for you.
Feng shui, or the art of arranging spaces for the optimum flow of energy, often incorporates the ladybug symbol. In particular, if a ladybug lands on anything material in a household – be it a piece of furniture, a car, a treasured possession or any other object near and dear to you – it is to be expected that you will receive a brand new version of that very thing.
What do Different Color Ladybugs Represent?
Ladybugs can come in different colors – the most common of which are red/orange, with or without black circles. No specific significance is attached to those colors, except for the normal symbol of good luck. Same goes for some rarer, unusually colored ladybug cousins – such as the Grey Ladybug, no special meanings are attributed to them.
A yellow ladybug, which is slightly rarer, is a different proposition. Seeing a yellow ladybug signals the beginning of an adventure – it could be a new chapter of your life about to unfold or travel plans to a faraway place.
If you have been going through a period of ennui or inactivity in your daily existence or your love life, seeing a yellow ladybug may signal a change of fortune, turning the page to usher in new love into your life. The yellow ladybug may also signify travel to a far flung place – or at least a different set of circumstances than you are currently dealing with, in a positive sense.
A ladybug without spots may not have any special meanings either, though some interpret them as signifying the rekindling of an old love, perhaps a meeting with them.
Dead Ladybug Spiritual Meaning
In some cultures, seeing a dead ladybug is equated with bad luck – the opposite of the good fortune from seeing the insect live and flitting about. However, other cultures will interpret the dead ladybug with something you may be experiencing in your own life, such as being crushed by events or enormous pressure. You can find yourself with suffused with sadness, regret and confusion. But hang in there! The departed spirit of the ladybug has blessed you in life and the next generation is about to sprout into existence around the corner.
Many cultures believe that killing a ladybug signifies extreme danger – in Ireland, the Celtic myths believe that a person killing a ladybug would encounter death the very next day.
What does it mean when you keep seeing ladybugs in your house?
If you are getting constant ladybugs in your house, then it likely means that they are trying to escape harsh weather conditions. From a spiritual point of view, however, this is a very welcome sign. Not only is it a sign of good luck, but it also suggests that good fortunes are ahead.
Myths about Ladybugs
We have captured some of the ancient myths and sayings about ladybugs in cultures such as the Celts and Native Americans.
In general, the more pastoral the culture, the more it believed in natural forces and the harmony between humans and the earth we live on – the more a benevolent, colorful insect like the ladybug was revered as a sign of good fortune or a positive transformation in one’s existence.
Ladybugs in Norse Mythology
There are many Norse beliefs about ladybugs. One of them concerns Freya, the virgin mother who is the Goddess of Beauty and Love. According to the Norse, the ladybug was called into existence by Freya herself to brighten our lives on Earth – she came down in a lightning strike called for by the goddess.
Ladybugs in English Folklore
The English have a very prosaic and practical rendering about the ladybug – seeing large numbers of them in the springtime will portend that the crops will be plentiful and safe from pests. They also believe that ladybugs have healing properties, make wishes come true and portend marriage (if one happens to land on you).
The English have a different name for the Ladybug – Golden Bird or “Goldie-Bird”. The name represents that the ladybug brings gifts of bread, wine and oil to all and sundry – in more prosaic, modern terms, the bug brings luck and good fortune to everyone.
Other Ladybug Myths and Folklores
The Austrians believe ladybugs to portend good weather, the Chinese and Italians believe them to be good luck like many other cultures. Americans believe that a ladybug hibernating in your house will bring good luck. Many cultures behave that ladybugs have curative powers for common ailments such as measles, tummy-aches (colic) and toothaches.
Summary
The most interesting thing about symbolism and dreams about ladybugs is how close the real life benefits that ladybugs provide humans are to the significance attached to them from a spirit animal standpoint.
Ladybugs happen to be adored from a variety of standpoints – ancient cultures equated them as harbingers of good fortune in terms of the benefits they bestowed upon us by protecting our crops, as well as their bright, colorful presence amongst us – and views of them from various cultures and traditions reflect such norms.
Ladybugs are considered to be our friends – most interpretations of their presence in our lives are considered to be positive.