Symbolism surrounding ladybug tattoos reaches back into the Middle Ages when farmers used to refer to ladybugs as “The Beetles of Our Lady” in reference to the Virgin Mary. Ladybugs are very useful in controlling the population of crop-destroying insects, and the farmers back then believed the ladybugs were sent by the Virgin Mary. So now, while many people aren’t aware of it, ladybug tattoos can also be a religious symbol, much like a holy cross.
In classic folklore, ladybugs are surrounded with superstitions and beliefs. For example, it’s believed that if a ladybug lands on someone, that person will have good luck. Or if a ladybug lands on a married woman’s hand, the number of spots on the ladybug’s back will correspond with the number of children she’ll bear. Also, it’s said that if a ladybug lands on a sick person’s hand, it’ll cure the illness. In addition, it’s widely known that if someone catches a ladybug, they should make a wish and the ladybug will make it come true. Because ladybugs are such a diverse symbol, no one can be exactly sure what a person is trying to convey by getting a ladybug tattoo.
For all those reasons and many more, ladybug tattoos have become incredibly popular. Many people opt for a small, traditional design, perhaps on the ankle or the shoulder. However, there are a lot of creative, non-traditional ladybug tattoos available as well. For example, it’s not necessary to limit the ladybug to its usual red wings and black spots.
With a little bit of research into colors, it’s possible to make the ladybug an even more potent symbol by getting one that’s blue with green spots or any other combination. There are also ladybug tattoos that depict the ladybug with other good luck symbols such as horseshoes or four leaf clovers. Some include text or a loved one’s name.
Being such a well-known symbol of luck and fortune, ladybug tattoos have been and will remain a popular tattoo for many years to come. But just because it’s popular doesn’t mean it can’t be unique. Just by using a little bit of imagination and doing the proper amount of research, it’s easy to come up with a design unlike any other.
