The Ladybird’s Marian Names

Cowan’s ladybird lore

Cowan begins with Coccinella septempunctata: the seven-spotted ladybird. This carousel follows the names and beliefs he records. 🐞

Cowan’s ladybird lore

In Scandinavia, Cowan says it was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and called “Nyckelpiga,” glossed as “Our Lady’s Key-maid.” 🔑

Cowan’s ladybird lore

In Sweden, Cowan gives “Jung-fru Marias Gullhona,” or “the Virgin Mary’s Golden-hen.” The gloss is his. 🐞

Cowan’s ladybird lore

For Germany, Cowan records “Frauen- or Marien-käfer,” glossed as “Lady-beetles of the Virgin.”

Cowan’s ladybird lore

In France, Cowan records “Vaches de Dieu,” “Cows of the Lord,” and “Bêtes de la Vierge,” “Animals of the Virgin.” 🐞

Cowan’s ladybird lore

Across Europe, Cowan’s ladybird is a little cabinet of Marian names—testimony he collected, country by country. 📖

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