September 19, 2026 · 星期六
The Cicada of Rebirth
蝉· cicada; continuous
Today’s episode with Jason & AmyIn Chinese culture, the cicada represents rebirth and transformation, symbolizing life's enduring cycles.
白露 is named for the glistening dew that beads on grass and leaves as cool nights condense the air's moisture. The temperature gap between day and night widens sharply, and a clear autumn crispness sets in.
In some regions people brew "白露 tea" or rice wine, and gather ten kinds of white-named herbs to make a nourishing tonic.
The Cicada of Rebirth
蝉chán
In Chinese culture, the cicada, known as 蝉 (chán), holds a special place as a symbol of rebirth and renewal. This connection stems from the life cycle of the cicada, which spends years underground before emerging into the sunlight, shedding its skin, and starting anew. This transformation has been admired and used metaphorically in Chinese literature and art for centuries[1]. The cicada's emergence is seen as a metaphor for personal growth and transformation, making it a powerful emblem of life's cyclical nature.
The motif of the cicada appears frequently in ancient Chinese poetry and prose, where it is often used to convey themes of rejuvenation and the transience of life. For instance, in the Tang Dynasty, poets like Bai Juyi wrote about the cicada's song, using it to symbolize the persistence and resilience of life despite challenges[2]. The cicada's song is continuous, just as life's challenges and opportunities for renewal are.
Furthermore, the cicada has been used in funerary art and jade carvings, where it is placed in the mouths of the deceased to symbolize the hope of rebirth in the afterlife[3]. These artistic representations highlight the cultural belief in transformation and the continuation of life beyond death. Today, as we reflect on these cultural symbols, we can appreciate how the cicada, or 蝉, continues to inspire ideas of renewal and enduring spirit.
On this ninth day of the eighth lunar month in the Year of the Horse, the symbol of the cicada reminds us of the importance of embracing change and the potential for growth in our own lives.
In Chinese culture, the cicada represents rebirth and transformation, symbolizing life's enduring cycles.
蝉是重生的象征。
Chán shì chóngshēng de xiàngzhēng.
The cicada is a symbol of rebirth.
- [1] 《礼记》 (The Book of Rites)
- [2] 《白居易诗集》 (Collected Poems of Bai Juyi)
- [3] 《汉书》 (Book of Han)
Jason & Amy on 蝉
Podcast: Dragon Daily: The Cicada of Rebirth — and the word 蝉
Jason & Amy on The Cicada of Rebirth and 蝉
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September 19, 2026
Today highlights the birth of influential figures in Chinese history and culture.
Birth of Emperor Muzong of Liao 辽穆宗
Muzong was the emperor of the Liao Dynasty and reigned from 951 to 969. His reign was marked by efforts to consolidate and strengthen the empire amidst internal challenges.
His rule is significant for its impact on the stability and administration of the Liao Dynasty.
Read more
Matthew lai70 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) sourcelicence Birth of Poon Yiu Cheuk, Footballer and Coach 潘耀焯
Poon Yiu Cheuk is a prominent footballer and coach from Hong Kong. He played as a midfielder and later transitioned into a coaching role, influencing the development of football in the region.
Poon's career contributed to the growth of football culture in Hong Kong.
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蝉在树上。
Chán zài shù shàng.
The cicada is on the tree.
This simple sentence shows the basic use of the word 'cicada'.
蝉声不断。
Chán shēng búduàn.
The cicada's sound is continuous.
This sentence highlights the continuous nature of the cicada's song.
蝉象征重生。
Chán xiàngzhēng chóngshēng.
The cicada symbolizes rebirth.
This uses cicada symbolically to represent rebirth.
在文化中，蝉代表精神的永恒。
Zài wénhuà zhōng, chán dàibiǎo jīngshén de yǒnghéng.
In culture, the cicada represents the eternity of spirit.
This abstract usage ties the cicada to the idea of spiritual eternity.
Using 是 … 的 to indicate emphasis
是 + noun + 的
This pattern is used to emphasize the role or identity of the noun in a sentence.
Use it to highlight or stress the significance of a particular noun.
他是老师的。
Tā shì lǎoshī de.
He is a teacher.
这是我的书。
Zhè shì wǒ de shū.
This is my book.
她是学生的。
Tā shì xuéshēng de.
She is a student.
What does 蝉 mean?
How is 蝉 pronounced?
How do you write "cicada" in Chinese?
Listen. What does the sentence mean?
树上有___在叫。(There is a ___ chirping in the tree.)
蝉是夏天的声音。 — What does this sentence mean?
What does the cicada symbolize in Chinese culture?
Arrange into a correct sentence
Which emperor was born in 931 and reigned over the Liao Dynasty?
Who is Poon Yiu Cheuk?
Frequently asked questions about the word 蝉
It is pronounced as 'chán' with a rising tone.
Yes, 蝉 can symbolize rebirth or immortality in poetry and literature.
Yes, China has several species of cicadas, each with unique sounds and appearances.
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Today's Mandarin word: 蝉 (chán) — cicada; continuous.
Learn it on Mandarin Temple's Dragon Daily 🐉