Cicada
Overview
Jade cicadas placed in the mouths of the dead are one of the more specific archaeological facts behind a symbol: the transformation reading was taken literally enough to be buried with people.
Meaning
The cicada carries the reading of rebirth and of purity — it emerges from the ground transformed, and it was buried with the dead as an emblem.
Traditional Interpretation
Sources also note the cicada's singing from height while drinking only dew, which made it an emblem of purity and of the person who does not compromise.
Related Concepts
FAQ
What does cicada symbolize in Chinese tradition?
The cicada carries the reading of rebirth and of purity — it emerges from the ground transformed, and it was buried with the dead as an emblem. Jade cicadas placed in the mouths of the dead are one of the more specific archaeological facts behind a symbol: the transformation reading was taken literally enough to be buried with people.
Where does the cicada appear in Chinese art and custom?
Its use is documented across several registers at once. The cicada carries the reading of rebirth and of purity — it emerges from the ground transformed, and it was buried with the dead as an emblem. The jade cicada burial practice is the detail that separates this from a general transformation symbol — it was acted on, not just depicted.
How is cicada read in Chinese tradition?
Sources also note the cicada's singing from height while drinking only dew, which made it an emblem of purity and of the person who does not compromise. It is grouped under Metal (金) in the five-element system.
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