Are ladybugs good luck?

Ladybugs, also known as ladybirds or lady beetles, are considered to be a sign of good luck in a number of cultures. In Sweden, a ladybug landing in a young girl's hand is a sign that she will marry soon. English farmers, meanwhile, traditionally see ladybugs as an omen of a good harvest.

There is a folkloric tale, attributed to the European Middle Ages, that says ladybugs were sent in response to farmers' prayers for help controlling pests. When the ladybugs arrived, they ate all the insects that were destroying crops. It is therefore suggested that the ladybug, bird or beetle was named in honor of the Virgin Mary, or "Our Lady."