Cicadas' signature hum turns Provence into a symphony of stillness, emblematic of tranquility.
In the sun-drenched lands of Provence, summertime is about more than just sunbathing and wine tasting—it's cicada season. For a brief few weeks, these buzzing, beady-eyed insects rise from the earth to fill the fields and villages with a distinct summertime symphony. And boy, do they make some noise!
Male cicadas frequently use their vocalizations as a mating call, creating a variety of clicks and buzzes that can reach up to 90 decibels, louder than a jet engine. Each species produces a different sound, but one thing's for sure—when they sing, the sound is far from silent.
Some might consider these noisy creatures lazy, but artists and poets in Provence saw them as kindred spirits. To them, the cicada's music, born out of pure enjoyment for the sun, embodied the carefree spirit of the region. The cicada, with its relentless singing, was a lot like a poet odes to the Provencal sun.
In the 19th century, poet Frédéric Mistral championed the cicada as a symbol of Provence, and naturalist Jean-Henri Fabre called its song a "noisy triumph." By the end of the century, even tourists couldn't resist the charm of the cicada's song, seeing it as a reflection of the joyous, natural spirit of Provence.
One French ceramicist, Louis Sicard, helped cement the cicada's role in Provencal culture. He created the first ceramic cicadas in 1895, modeling them after the Félibriges' motto, "the sun makes me sing." Sicard's cicadas quickly became a hit, and other artists began incorporating the insect into their work.
Today, Provencal artists continue to celebrate the cicada as a symbol of their region and way of life. Even though these fascinating creatures are only around for a few weeks every summer, their presence in Provence remains a beloved part of the culture year-round.
When it comes to understanding the Provencal love for these winged, noisy bugs, it's all about appreciating the simple pleasures of life, the joy of summer, and the beauty found in nature. After all, as the cicada might say, "Sadness is gone; joy for ever!"
- The distinctive sound of cicadas during Provence's summertime serves as a symbol of cultural heritage, echoing the relaxed and carefree lifestyle of the region.
- The vibrant earth of Provence hosts not only the buzzing cicadas but also a rich tapestry of food-and-drink traditions, reinforcing the region's reverence for nature.
- Amid the lavender fields and vineyards, modern Provencal artists revel in the aesthetic appeal of cicadas, incorporating them into their fashion-and-beauty designs as well as home-and-garden décor.
- The cicada's song is more than just noise to local residents; it's a symbol of relationships, capturing the spirit of connection and camaraderie that defines the area.
- As pets go, cicadas may not be traditional furry companions, but they undeniably hold a special place in the hearts of the people and their homes in Provence.
- Certainly, the romance of a Provencal summer goes beyond sunbathing, wine tasting, and cars—it extends to the charming melodies of cicadas, a testament to humanity's enduring fascination with the natural world.
