I'm not quite sure what the significance is, but ladybugs are a symbol of good luck in China. Perhaps they are good luck because they eat all the bugs that eat the crops. Whatever the reason, ladybugs have become a symbol of luck in the Chinese adoption community as well. When someone sees a ladybug, they post on a forum board that they are sure to have something sent to them in the mail to tell them of progress on their adoption....because they SAW a ladybug!
That sentiment seems to be quite a bit different from Americn culture, as witnessed in this American children's nursery rhyme:
Ladybug! Ladybug!
Fly away home.
Your house is on fire.
And your children are all gone.
All except one, And that’s little Ann,
For she’s hiding under
The frying pan.
YIKES! As a child, it always seemed a bit sad thinking that the ladybug had no idea that her children had flown away. I assumed she was just daft. Perhaps she had basked in the sun too long?
Whatever the differences between the two symbols, ladybugs appear to be happy little critters in real life. People aren't scared of ladybugs. People don't try to smash them, or cring at the thought of one climbing, or grab the fly swatter when one happens to buzz into a room.
I don't really believe in ladybug sightings, but there's no harm in having a pseudo belief in them. After all, I don't believe in Santa now, but every time my mom heard his sleigh bells on Christmas Eve, presents were sure to follow the next day!
