Photo Friday: Episode 151

I have always loved ladybugs. Until today, I never knew the origin of their name. The coccinellidae beetle was first christened by Catholic farmers as “ladybirds,” not for their feminine charm, but rather in honor of Our Lady Mary. Folklore says, when these farmers’ crops suffered an infestation of aphids, they directed their prayers to Mary for relief. The farmers viewed these aphid eating beetles as an answer to their prayers to Mary. In Catholic tradition, the ladybug’s red shell and seven black spots represent Mary’s cloak and seven sorrows.

Today is May, the month dedicated to Mary in the liturgical calendar. May this and every ladybug sighting this month be a reminder to pray like the farmers!