@article{ART003178413},
author={Hyeyoung Hwang},
title={Cultural Symbolism of Cicadas in Korea and Provence},
journal={Cross-Cultural Studies},
issn={1598-0685},
year={2025},
volume={74},
pages={263-287},
doi={10.21049/ccs.2025.74..263}
TY - JOUR
AU - Hyeyoung Hwang
TI - Cultural Symbolism of Cicadas in Korea and Provence
JO - Cross-Cultural Studies
PY - 2025
VL - 74
IS - null
PB - Center for Cross Culture Studies
SP - 263
EP - 287
SN - 1598-0685
AB - This study compared cultural symbolism of cicadas in Korea and the Provence. In Korea, cicadas have long symbolized integrity and scholar's spirit, especially during the Joseon Dynasty, when cicada-shaped wing motifs were used on official hats to represent incorruptible officials. In the Joseon era, cicadas symbolized the integrity and scholarly ideals of Confucian scholars, as seen in the poetry and writings of figures such as Lee Haeng, Lee Hwang, and Silhak scholars like Hong Dae-yong and Lee Deok-mu. Moreover, in paintings by artists like Kim In-gwan, Jeong Seon, and Sim Sa-jeong, cicadas were depicted not merely as natural elements, but as emblems of the noble spirit of scholars.
In Provence, cicadas symbolize nature, joy, and good fortune, reflecting the hot Provençal summer and the region’s abundant natural beauty. Frédéric Mistral embraced cicada as a central symbol of Provençal identity, celebrating its cultural significance in his works. Similarly, Louis Sicard popularized cicadas through ceramics, creating iconic designs that connect cicadas with Provence’s cultural and regional spirit.
This comparison shows how cicadas have been shaped into unique cultural symbols within distinct contexts, reinterpreted, and passed down through literature and art, highlighting the significance of cultural relativity, the imaginative power of humanities, and enduring influence of symbolic traditions.
KW - Cicadas and the Scholar's Spirit;Cheongbaek-ri;Frédéric Mistral;Provençal Language;Louis Sicard;Cicada Ceramics
DO - 10.21049/ccs.2025.74..263
ER -
Hyeyoung Hwang. (2025). Cultural Symbolism of Cicadas in Korea and Provence. Cross-Cultural Studies, 74, 263-287.
Hyeyoung Hwang. 2025, "Cultural Symbolism of Cicadas in Korea and Provence", Cross-Cultural Studies, vol.74, pp.263-287. Available from: doi:10.21049/ccs.2025.74..263
Hyeyoung Hwang "Cultural Symbolism of Cicadas in Korea and Provence" Cross-Cultural Studies 74 pp.263-287 (2025) : 263.
Hyeyoung Hwang. Cultural Symbolism of Cicadas in Korea and Provence. 2025; 74 263-287. Available from: doi:10.21049/ccs.2025.74..263
Hyeyoung Hwang. "Cultural Symbolism of Cicadas in Korea and Provence" Cross-Cultural Studies 74(2025) : 263-287.doi: 10.21049/ccs.2025.74..263
Hyeyoung Hwang. Cultural Symbolism of Cicadas in Korea and Provence. Cross-Cultural Studies, 74, 263-287. doi: 10.21049/ccs.2025.74..263
Hyeyoung Hwang. Cultural Symbolism of Cicadas in Korea and Provence. Cross-Cultural Studies. 2025; 74 263-287. doi: 10.21049/ccs.2025.74..263
Hyeyoung Hwang. Cultural Symbolism of Cicadas in Korea and Provence. 2025; 74 263-287. Available from: doi:10.21049/ccs.2025.74..263
Hyeyoung Hwang. "Cultural Symbolism of Cicadas in Korea and Provence" Cross-Cultural Studies 74(2025) : 263-287.doi: 10.21049/ccs.2025.74..263
