THE LIFE OF A CICADA

     This group of Cicadas is known as Brood X (Brood 10). They are the largest in number of all the Cicada groups and emerge from their burial site (base of a tree) every 17 years. Their emergence is synchronized, and they appear by the billions.

     At the 17^th year mark, they climb out from underground as mature nymphs, climb up the tree under which they were buried and feeding; they shed their shell covering (exoskeleton) and are transformed physically from nymphs to adult Cicadas by developing the physical characteristics of an insect. They grow wings, and form those unmistakable red eyes.

     Once on the tree limbs, the male Cicada begins his ‘song.’ It is a mating call for the female.  The female Cicada is silent but respond to the mating call of the male. After mating, and approximately 6 weeks later, the female lays her eggs inside slits and grooves she chiseled in the tree branches.

     Soon after mating, the male Cicada dies. The female Cicada dies after laying her eggs (a short lifespan). Six weeks later, the eggs hatch and the Cicada nymphs fall to the ground, landing at the foot of the tree where they bury themselves in underground burrows. And there they will remain for the next 17 years feeding on the sap of the tree’s roots and the cycle begins again.

It is also essential to note and remember that the emergence of the billions of Cicadas attracts predators and creates what can only be described as a feast in nature.  Large number of land animals, birds and amphibians alike feast with gluttony on the emerging Cicadas.

THE SYMBOLIC MESSAGE

     Theologians call it Natural Theology. Where nature itself testifies to the existence of God and His creative works.

The symbolic message of the life cycle of Cicadas is a testimony of the physical and spiritual life cycle of humankind ordained by God from birth to death to resurrection and on to eternal life.

This post will begin a biweekly series and will tease out in detail the many different aspects of the Cicadas life cycle and how it parallels with the Gospel message.    .

THE KEY SYMBOLS

In examining the life cycle of Cicadas, there are a number of key symbols to be considered and discussed: The tree, the mating call, the mating, burial of the nymphs, the emergence of the nymphs, the transformation of the adult male and female Cicadas, and the numbers 17,13 and 153; numbers which are tied to these Cicadas. We will begin the series with the Tree.

The Tree of Life

     The tree under which Cicadas are buried is one of the most important elements in this entire scenario. The tree sustains their lives. It is essential to their very existence and plays a central role in all the events in their life cycle.

     The tree provides them with nourishment and food. As buried nymphs they feed on the sap in the tree’s roots. Without this sustenance provided by the tree, they would all perish. After they emerge it is on this tree that they climb and once on the tree’s branches the male sings to attract the female. It is also on the tree’s branches that they mate and where the female lays her eggs.  The tree, in essence, to the Cicadas, is a Tree of life. Their entire existence is centered around a Tree.

     The Bible tells us that Christ was crucified on a Tree. The Tree of Calvary – the Cross. Galatian 3:13(NIV) states “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. It is written ‘cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.’” While the tree was a curse for Christ, yet it is the source of life for all those who believe in Him.

     Furthermore, Jesus stated in John 6:54 (NIV) “Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him on the last day.”   

     Additionally, Jesus stated in John11: 17-44 “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me though he may die, he shall live and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.” It is by Christ’s death on the Cross (the Tree) that we are redeemed from death. To those who believe in Christ, the Cross is a Tree of life.

     Like the life sustaining tree of the Cicadas, Our lives also pivots around the tree on Calvary where our faith in Christ is life during our earthly life and after resurrection unto eternal life.

     Anthony Evans’ song “The Mercy Tree” gives edification and clarity to this concept of Christ’s death on a Tree. It is one of my favorite song.

    The gain new insight on the Biblical theme of The Tree of Life, I highly recommend and encourage you to watch the Bible Project’s video titled The Tree of Life.

     Join me again on Monday May 31^st when we’ll examine the Cicada’s burial, their emergence and mating call and how it relates symbolically to man’s resurrection and to Christ.

     Please leave your comments on this Blog. I welcome your thoughts of the subject….