Have you heard the story about how the ladybug earned its name?
Ladybugs are associated with various symbols, including luck and good fortune. However, did you know there is a symbol from a Catholic perspective?
In Europe during the Middle Ages, swarms of pesky insects (probably aphids) destroyed crops and threatened faithful farming communities with starvation.
In desperation, the farmers, devoted to the Blessed Mother, turned to the Virgin Mary for help!
Soon after, a cloud of black-spotted, red-orange insects came and devoured the plant-destroying pests, saving the crops!
The farmers considered this an answer to their prayers and a sign of Our Lady’s intercession. They began referring to these life-saving, beautiful insects as “Our Lady’s Bugs.”
Variations of this name, including “The Beetles of Our Lady” and “Lady Beetles,” came about. In Germany, the term “Marienkäfer” means “Marybeetle.”
The bug’s red-orange wings represent the mantle of the Blessed Virgin Mary, while the black spots symbolize her joys and sorrows.
Here are some of our favorite prayers for gardeners and farmers:
Prayer to Saint Fiacre, Patron of GardenersDear God our Father, Giver of all good, we lift up our hearts to You in thanksgiving for who You are and for the power and majesty You manifest
