I Call to You

 Dear reader,

 

The history of the ladybird is rooted in a blend of scientific classification and folklore, particularly European traditions honouring the Virgin Mary from whom the name "ladybird" originates.

In the Middle Ages farmers nicknamed them "Beetles of our Lady" after they saved crops from pests with the name evolving over time.  The name ladybird also references the Virgin Mary's red cloak which she often wore in early art.   The seven spots on the common seven-spot ladybird were said to represent the seven joys or sorrows of the Virgin Mary.

 Ladybirds have long been considered symbols of good luck.  Folklore suggests that if a ladybird lands on you, it is good fortune and some believe counting the spots can predict the future.

While the 7-spot ladybird is common in Europe, there are more than 5,000 species worldwide.  Ladybirds are important predators of pests like aphids making them valuable for farmers and gardeners. 

 

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From Gilbert White   October 13th 1787 in Hampshire

'We saw several redwings among the bushes on the north side of the common.  There were swallows about the village at the same time: so that summer and winter birds of passages were seen on the same day.'

 

From John Everett Millais   October 16th   1851  in Surrey

"Worked on my picture;  painted nasturtiums; saw a stoat run into a hole in the garden wall;  went up to it and endeavoured to lure the little beast out by mimicking a rat's or mouse's squeak.....Succeeded to my astonishment.  He came half out of the hole and looked into my face, within each reach.'

 

From Francis Kilvert  October 18th  1878  in the Gower Peninsula, Glamorgan

'St. Luke's Day.  This week has indeed been the summer of St. Luke.  Five of us drove in the waggonette to Oxwich Bay....We had a merry windy luncheon on the bank near the churchyard gate, and great fun and famous laughing.  An E. wind was blowing fresh and strong, the sea was rolling grey and yeasty, and in splendid sunburst the white seagulls were running and feeding on the yellow sands.  A wild merry day.'

 

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I Call To You

 

I am the winter snow

the summer sun

I am the birdsong

the first snowdrop

I am the seagull's cry

the gold red sunset

I am the butterfly, the ladybird

the falling leaves

I am the blue mountains

the oak tree

I am whispering trees

the silver stream

I am the Southerly wind

the Northern Star

I am the sound of the sea

the gentle rain

I am the light, peace

love and sisterly soul

 

I call to you

 

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With very best wishes, Patricia