Mapi: oktober 2013

woensdag 9 oktober 2013

Ladybird Mystery

16:29 | Gepost door Mapi | Post bewerken

Photo taken last sunday 06-10-2013

The Ladybird is a familiar sight in most gardens,

but its name is something of a puzzle.

The lady in ladybird is thought to refer to Mary,

the mother of Jesus,

so the literal translation is Our Lady's bird.

The religious folklore that is connected with

this insect's name, however,

spreads even further afield.

In France it is called bête à bon Dieu,

or the good God's animal;

in Germany, Marienkäfer or Mary's beetle;

in the Netherlands, lieveheersbeestje

or the dear Lord's beast;

in Spain, Mariquita or little Mary and vaca

de san Anton or cow of Saint Anthony;

in Russia, bozhya korovka or God's little cow;

and, finally, in Denmark, mariehone

or Mary's chicken.

So why, in such a wide range of countries

and languages should the ladybird have

this link with religion ?

Can any reader provide a clue ?

(Gardeners'World)

Lieveheersbeestje made by Mapi