The Spiritual, Cultural & Religious Meanings of Ladybugs, Explained

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What it means when ladybugs show up in your life

Co-authored by Maryana Lucia Vestic, MFA, M.Phil. Reviewed by Stina Garbis

Last Updated: December 2, 2024 Fact Checked

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Ladybug Meanings & Symbolism

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Ladybug Cultural & Religious Meanings

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What does a ladybug’s color mean?

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Do ladybugs bring good luck?

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What does it mean to dream about ladybugs?

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How to Know if You’re Spiritually Connected to Ladybugs

Have you ever spotted a ladybug and wondered what it means? Many people associate ladybugs with good luck, fertility, rebirth, and romance. Look ahead to find out more about the meanings behind a ladybug, including cultural associations, dreams, and more.

Spiritual Meanings of Ladybugs: Quick Overview

Seeing a ladybug means that good luck is on its way. Ladybugs are associated with fertility and rebirth and are sometimes linked to having children. Seeing them also indicates the importance of a new or current romantic relationship.

Section 1 of 6:

Ladybug Meanings & Symbolism

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Good luck Ladybugs are traditional symbols of abundance and prosperity that are headed your way. If you see a ladybug, it can indicate positive things for you, from a new opportunity in the exterior world to a new perspective or way of thinking internally. Stay open to new experiences, events, and people you may encounter, since you never know where good luck is coming from.^{[1]
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- A ladybug can indicate wealth and financial good luck, in particular. If you spot a ladybug and have been thinking of investing money, starting a venture, or playing the lotto, don’t hesitate!
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Fertility and rebirth Ladybugs represent fertility that comes during the renewal of spring. They often appear when the weather warms up, so if you spot or catch ladybugs in nature as springtime arrives is yet another way to reinforce the cycle of life.
- Seeing ladybugs may be a sign of fertility in your life, whether children or having to do with a creative project you’ve been nurturing.
- The spots on a ladybug’s back relate to renewal as a reminder of the cycles of life. They’re telling you to have faith, trust in the spiritual world, and remain patient.
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True love Ladybugs can represent love in its truest form. You may be looking for love or already in a relationship when you see a ladybug, but, either way, they’re a reminder of the many types of love in your life.^{[2]
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- If you spot a ladybug, it could mean your true love is about to walk into your life, so keep your eyes and heart open. If you’re in a relationship, the ladybug is telling you to value the other person whether you’re both super busy or not.
Ladybugs help us keep our composure when life gets rough. They know that everything takes time, especially changes we wish to come to fruition. Patience is key, so hold onto what you’re searching for and show grace as you move along on your spiritual path.^{[3]
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Healing Ladybugs stand for healing in multiple spiritual traditions. Their beautiful, gentle energy helps you get over past trauma or negative experiences to power through any struggles you have. This way, your spiritual energy is better prepared to allow new, positive changes and energy into your life.^{[4]
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- If you need a reminder of the healing energy of ladybugs, surround yourself with ladybug-themed art, jewelry, or anything bearing their image. Seeing ladybugs in nature is incredibly healing, but you can also extend that healing to your daily life by keeping them around in one form or another.
Most cultures value ladybugs as symbols of divine protection. It’s not always about size, because these little creatures are valued as guardians against negativity. They can shield you from harsh energy and safeguard you against bad events or encounters.^{[5]
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Adaptability Ladybugs can live in many kinds of environments, which relates to the idea of being adaptable. Like them, you can channel your inner resilience when life gets tough. Stay strong, keep going, and you can thrive just like the ladybug manages to.^{[6]
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- If you’re having trouble overcoming obstacles, reach out for support from family, friends, or a counselor so you feel better prepared for oncoming challenges.
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Spiritual Messenger Ladybirds are considered messengers from the spiritual world. When you see a ladybug, the universe is doing its best to communicate with you. They represent signs of transformation, new beginnings, and personal growth.^{[7]
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- Seeing a ladybug is the ideal time to think about a transformation coming into your life. Open yourself up to a new experience or challenge, whether a job opportunity, a chance to travel, or a course of study. Whatever is on its way, you can meet it head-on.

Section 2 of 6:

Ladybug Cultural & Religious Meanings

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They are spiritual messengers from other places that can inject a little divine energy into your life. The Japanese also link ladybugs to academic success and a bountiful harvest.^{[8]
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There is a story involving a ladybug as the guest of honor at a condemned man's execution during the reign of King Robert II. At the moment of execution, a ladybug repeatedly landed on the man's neck. This caused the king to free the man since the ladybug was considered a sign of divine intervention.^{[9]
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Ladybugs appear in traditional English nursery rhymes. In medieval England, people would set fire to a hop vine after a harvest, so created a song for the ladybugs still on the vines. This song became an English nursery rhyme often sung to English children.^{[10]
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- The song goes, “Ladybird, Ladybird, fly away home… your house is on fire, and your children will burn. Except little Nan, who sits in a pan, weaving gold laces as fast as she can!”
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Native Americans saw ladybugs as symbols of protection and renewal. They would keep bad energy away and offer balance in its place as spiritual messengers. Their patience and wisdom helped people through difficult times in life as a reminder of both resilience and hope.^{[11]
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- Ladybugs as spiritual protectors in Native American culture also extended to guiding the crops to thrive each season.
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Ladybugs are associated with the Virgin Mary in European Christianity. They were known as “Our Lady’s Bird” or the “Beetle of Our Lady” and were considered signs of divine blessings. When a ladybug landed on you, it signified good luck.^{[12]
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- The number of spots on the ladybug’s back indicates the months when you will find good fortune. People made wishes on a ladybug, which were believed to be granted by the Virgin Mary.
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Ladybugs are connected to love and relationships in Asian cultures. When a ladybug lands on you, your true love will come soon or your current relationship will thrive. They also represent happiness, harmony, and prosperity^{[13]
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- Many Asian cultures believe that ladybugs can bring prayers to the heavens, which solidifies them as spiritual messengers.
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Celtic mythology views ladybugs as protection symbols for children. They protected little ones from evil spirits, especially if a ladybug landed on a child. Ladybugs were also associated with good weather and abundant crops as bringers of prosperity.^{[14]
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- When Celts went through bad times, they looked to the ladybug for guidance and reassurance.
If you caught a ladybug, they were said to fly to the gods and return with good tidings as symbols of hope and faith. The direction in which a ladybug flew when landing on you determined where your good fortune would come from.^{[15]
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They’re looked upon as signs of blessings all around you and are associated with purity. In the Islamic tradition, seeing a ladybug is thought to bring good luck to anyone who encounters them.^{[16]
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Section 3 of 6:

What does a ladybug’s color mean?

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Red is the most common color of ladybug you might see. If you do notice a red ladybug, you should nurture the relationships you have and embrace love in any form as you encounter it. They’re considered the luckiest of all the ladybugs you can see.^{[17]
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The color orange is also associated with creativity and emotional well-being when it appears as a chakra, a center of spiritual energy in our bodies.^{[18]
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They let us know to cherish happiness, stay optimistic, and always look on the bright side of life. Like a bright sunny day, ladybugs can pop up anywhere, especially in summer, so look out for your next ladybug sighting!^{[19]
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Don’t be alarmed if you see a black ladybug, because it only means you need to take a deep look inside yourself, reflect on the mystery of life, and what's most important for you.^{[20]
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Section 4 of 6:

Do ladybugs bring good luck?

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Ladybugs are symbols of good luck in most cultures. They can also keep bad luck at bay and are associated with good news, prosperity, and positive change. When you see a ladybug, take a moment to think about how lucky you are for the things you have and thank this tiniest of creatures for reminding you about that. Ladybugs are good luck creatures in gardens too, since they protect the garden from harmful pests and help the garden to grow strong.^{[21]
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- If a ladybug lands on you, it’s a great opportunity to make a wish and think about whatever you desire most. The magical positive association with ladybugs is strong enough that your wildest dreams may just come true.
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It’s considered bad luck to kill a ladybug. Ladybugs are thought of as sacred in many worldwide cultures, so killing this blessed creature can reverse the positive and lucky associations they bring. If you encounter a ladybug, do your best to set them free and let them go on their way.^{[22]
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- Seeing a dead ladybug is not a bad omen. If you notice a ladybug who’s passed away, it’s simply one of nature’s many reminders for you to reflect on your life and learn from every lesson presented to you.^{[23]
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Section 5 of 6:

What does it mean to dream about ladybugs?

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Dreaming of a ladybug means luck is coming your way in waking life. Think about other aspects of the dream and look for signs relating to this oncoming good fortune. Then, keep your eyes open so you don’t miss any possible opportunities.^{[24]
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Ladybugs are a signal of oncoming change. Consider where this change may come from, but don’t try to control the situation. Keep your mind and heart open to anything new you may encounter. This could mean a change in your career path, a new passion for fostering, or a new friend to have.^{[25]
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Ladybugs are representations of renewal in the dream world. If you’re feeling stagnant, perhaps it’s time to throw out the old and welcome in the new. Clean out your house, eliminate any old junk you have, or learn a new language. You never know what it may lead to.^{[26]
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Section 6 of 6:

How to Know if You’re Spiritually Connected to Ladybugs

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A deep connection to ladybugs may mean they’re your spirit animal. As a spirit animal, they represent luck, joy, and transformation. Recognizing these signs can help you connect to ladybugs so they can better guide you on your spiritual journey. Encountering a ladybug can help you reinforce the following aspects of yourself as you continue spiritually.^{[27]
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- You cherish optimism and resilience. Don’t let any negative encounters get you down. Recognize an experience for what it is and learn from it as you keep striving in the future.
- You welcome change and transformation. It’s important not to close yourself off to changes in your life. Ladybugs go through major life changes in their existence and so can you. Change can seem scary at first, but with a little faith, you too can get rid of old habits and transform into the best version of yourself possible.
- You seek out luck and positive energy. Embrace the future without dwelling on the past, whether it has positive or negative associations. Look out for signs of luck everywhere you go and remember that being positive to others can bring positivity back to you tenfold.
- You lead a life of humility and purpose. Keep yourself grounded and humble every chance you get. Stay the course and don’t lose sight of your goals.
- You enjoy the simple things. You may be focused on the prize, but take time every day to cherish the special moments you have. It could be spending quality time with loved ones, taking a walk in nature, or working on a hobby you enjoy.
- You feel at one with nature. Nature is cyclical and depends on a cycle where every part helps another. Trees produce acorns that squirrels eat and flowers make pollen for the bees. Meditate on this cycle of life no matter what you’re caught up in to always remember what’s important.