Are Ladybugs Considered Good Luck? (Plus More Lucky Animals!)

Humans for thousands of years have regarded as some animals luckier than others. Animals are frequent characters in folklore. One of the luckiest animals in the world is the ladybug, but why? What makes this small flying insect lucky? Interestingly, ladybugs aren’t the only lucky animals in the world. In this article, we are answering the question, are ladybugs considered good luck? We are also reviewing other lucky animals.

Ladybugs and Good Luck

Dozens of folktales consider ladybugs lucky, but why? When did this begin? One of the oldest ladybug luck stories includes farmers. During the Middle Ages, farmers were stressed because pests were consuming their crops. Quickly, many small ladybugs appeared and ate the pests, saving their crops. This isn’t just a story either! Ladybugs are excellent friends for gardeners and farmers. They eat annoying pests like aphids, tiny insects that slowly kill your plant by sucking the sap and nutrients out.

Ladybugs though aren’t just lucky with plants and growth. They also represent luck in love. If a ladybug appears during or right before your wedding, it’s a sign that your love life is strong and abundant. It’s also said that if a ladybug lands on you, you’re blessed with luck. You’re supposed to count the number of spots, which symbolize how many years of luck you’ve been blessed with. In some versions though, the spots represent months, not years.

A ladybug though doesn’t have to land on you for the insect to represent luck. For example, some people believe if you find a ladybug in your home, it’s a sign of good luck with money and love. However, if you harm this lucky ladybug, you’re rejecting good luck.

Other Lucky Animals

Ladybugs aren’t the only animals considered lucky. Here we have some of the luckiest animals in the world and why!

Rabbits

The first lucky animal on our list is the rabbit. For years, some cultures have believed that if you carry a rabbit’s foot, you’re inviting luck and fortune into your life. The importance of a rabbit’s foot may have come from the European Middle Ages, however, rabbit feet were used for luck during the 1800s. People once believed you could identify a witch with a rabbit’s foot because witches were thought to turn into rabbits. Rabbits are also important in Chinese culture. For example, the Year of the Rabbit is associated with good fortune, freedom, and positivity.

The origin of rabbits and luck is long and also debatable. Still, many superstitions use rabbits alongside luck. For example, saying the word rabbit three times at the beginning of the month is supposed to bring you luck.

Cranes

Ladybugs and rabbits aren’t the only lucky animals in the world. Cranes are also considered lucky animals. Japanese cranes are thought to be lucky. They are also called birds of happiness. Japanese cranes according to mythological tales live for thousands of years. These immortal and graceful birds are also bringers of good health.

One of the biggest stories representing lucky cranes is Sadako and the 1,000 paper cranes. Sadly, as a baby, she was exposed to radiation and got very sick. By the time she was twelve, Sadako developed cancer. To beat the cancer, she folded paper cranes. Sadly, she passed away before her wish for good health was granted, but had folded more than 1,400 paper cranes. Sadako was buried with 1,000 paper cranes.

Tigers

Tigers are ferocious and wild large cats. These large cats have been a symbol of good luck and strength for thousands of years. In Chinese mythology, tigers are god-like creatures and protectors. They represent power, good luck, and protection. Tigers, in Chinese mythology, are said to protect people from evil and bad luck.

You may have seen tiger figurines and drawings. They are commonly used as decoration in Chinese holidays like the Chinese New Year.

Chinese mythology and culture, however, are just one interpretation. In Hindu mythology, the tiger is also a symbol of power, strength, courage, and fortune. It’s a sacred animal typically tied to Shiva, the god of destruction.

Crickets

Crickets also represent luck. Has someone ever told you that if you find a cricket in your home, you’re blessed with luck? This is a common saying with multiple possible origins. In feng shui, some insects are considered lucky, like crickets. They represent positivity, fortune, and wealth. Interestingly though, seeing a cricket isn’t enough. If you find a cricket in a dark place in your home, like the attic or basement, it can represent misfortune because those spaces are filled with the past.

So, why are these bugs considered lucky? They likely symbolize prosperity because of ancient Chinese farmers. They relied on crickets singing in the spring. The first song indicated it was time to plant seeds. Crickets in your field meant you were going to have an abundant harvest. Just likely ladybugs, it’s bad luck to kill or harm a cricket. If you find one inside your home, pause before reacting. Take a cup and paper and catch it, then relocate it outside to keep luck on your side.

Elephants

Did you know elephants are also lucky animals? Some people believe that decorating with joyful elephants can bring your home good luck and positive energy. Others swear that these animals are lucky when their trunk is facing up. So, is it enough to just own elephant decorations? Not exactly.

Elephants symbolize luck, wealth, strength, abundance, and kindness. But the placement and material can change the meaning behind an elephant. Elephants are welcoming. To bring this energy, you can place two elephants by your front door. Elephants should also face outwards, as they are protectors. This keeps negative energy out of your home.

Interestingly, elephants also represent luck in romance. You can find pairs of elephants and decorate your home, to symbolize a harmonious marriage or relationship. It can be as simple as finding bed covers with a pair of elephants. Elephants also represent Lord Ganesha and are important in Hinduism. Lord Ganesha is the elephant-headed Hindu god of beginnings.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Ger Bosma Photos/Shutterstock.com