In France, when we are in need, we might ask God to help us. If we happen to see a ladybug, we might ask it convey our message. This is a painting about hope--it shows my hand and a ladybird.
Science Art-Nature: So, where did the role of messenger come from? The name “ladybird” dates to the Middle Ages, when “beetle of our Lady” referred to The Virgin Mary who was often depicted in a red cloak. We see the red “cloak” differently today: Reports suggest the aposematic (red) color deters predators—when under duress ladybirds/ladybugs perform “reflex bleeding”, which releases a toxic alkaloid that seeps from their joints.
And, what about the role of hope? The tradition that a wish will come true if a ladybird lands on you, might reflect an increased probability of “being landed on” when there’s a bumper crop of ladybirds, and there’s a bumper crop of ladybirds because it’s a time of plenty, when good fortune might stand a better chance of occurring. But, even in years of scarcity, ladybirds might stand a greater than anticipated chance of being seen, and serve to inspire: Some are said to lay extra (infertile) eggs that might serve as food for hatching larvae (years of scarcity result in higher ratios of infertile eggs). In a similar vein, in France, these beetles are thought to bring good weather although the reverse is more likely the case. |
