As I layed around reading this evening, I found some interesting information about us Ladybugs, so I thought I would share. I did not know the following and I hope you find it as interesting as I did. Us ladybugs have been around for quite some time it appears. Please read on:
"Ladybug, ladybug" is chanted by children when a ladybug insect lands on their person. If the ladybug doesn't fly away of its own accord the child would gently blow it away chanting, "Ladybug Ladybug fly away home". This insect is found every summer in the gardens of Britain - the most common colour is red with black spots, less common are the yellow variety. In Britain ladybugs are referred to as 'ladybirds'.
Ladybird History Connection - Gunpowder Plot Conspirators? Farmers knew of the Ladybird's value in reducing the level of pests in their crops and it was traditional for them to cry out the rhyme before they burnt their fields following harvests ( this reduced the level of insects and pests) in deference to the helpful ladybird: "Ladybird, ladybird fly away home, Your house in on fire and your children are gone".
The English word ladybird is a derivative of the Catholic term " Our Lady". The tradition of calling this rhyme was believed to have been used as a seemingly innocent warning cry to Catholic (recusants) who refused to attend Protestant services as required by the Act of Uniformity (1559 & 1662). This law forbade priests to say Mass and forbade communicants to attend it. Consequently Mass was held secretly in the open fields. Laymen were subject to jail and heavy fines and priests to execution. Many priests were executed by the terrible death of being burnt alive at the stake or, even worse, being hung, drawn and quartered. The most famous English recusants were Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot Conspirators.
The American Version of the Lyrics. It is possible that the word Ladybird was exchanged for Ladybug, in the American version of the nursery rhyme, due the word association with Firebug meaning an arsonist or pyromaniac. The first publication date was 1865 and the word ladybird was used as opposed to ladybug. There has been some speculation that this Nursery Rhyme originates from the time of the Great Fire of London in 1666.
UPDATE ON MY HEALTH:
The Dr. put me on two weeks more of NO talking this past Friday. (Thus I am reading again.) I was also sat down and talked to about the hoarseness that I have. Just like some of the singers who have became hoarse from over using their vocal cords singing, I have over used mine coughing. The Dr. told me there is a chance that I am not going to get my voice back. That what I have, such as it is, will be my speaking voice. We are resting it two more weeks to see what happens. They did not take me off of the steroids, I am still very wheezy and have a little gurggling. Taking steroids has made me realize pain in places I didn't even know existed. I look like a bruised peach, that has been blown up like a balloon.
I had a good cry on Friday, as you all know me, I have the gift of gab, so taking my voice away is very sad for me, but today, I got up, went to work, NO talking, did my job, came home and am back to reading the books for me. I need a sign that says, "HOPE". Because that is what I am going to have for the next two weeks. HOPE for my voice to come back. Please keep me in your prayers, I am really struggling.
As always thank you for stopping by my little piece of heaven, here in the desert that I so love to call home. Country hugs and much love,
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