So... What's with the bugs? It’s a question we hear often when we’re at events like the Louisville Flea Off Market, where we’ve proudly displayed our handmade ceramic cicada pocket vases and cicada wall ornaments for the last couple of years. And if you’ve ever wandered through a bustling market in Provence, you’ve likely encountered these curious critters —painted on pottery, woven into textiles, or even singing their summer songs in the trees. The cicada, or cigale in French, holds a special place in the heart of Provence, but why?
As someone who grew up in Kentucky, I know all about cicadas. I spent my summers swatting them away, their shells scattered on sidewalks like little alien relics. Schoolyard games often involved boys chasing us with cicadas cupped in their hands, pretending they were spaceships crashing into one another. During the 17-year cycles, they would swarm our town like something straight out of Hitchcock’s The Birds. For many of us, their buzzing was the soundtrack to endless, sun-soaked afternoons.
In Provence, however, cicadas are more than a noisy summer nuisance—they are revered. Their persistent song is a symbol of summer’s arrival, marking the rhythm of life in the South of France.
A Song for the South of France
In the French Riviera, cicadas are seen as the heralds of summer. Their song begins as the Mediterranean sun warms the land, a familiar melody to both locals and visitors. Farmers, toiling in the fields, take the cicada’s song as a sign that their crops will grow strong under the golden light. The cicada becomes a part of Provence’s agricultural rhythm, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. Their annual emergence mirrors the resilience and perseverance of both the land and its people, values deeply ingrained in Provençal culture.
Cicadas also carry spiritual and symbolic weight in Provençal folklore. According to local legend, cicadas were sent by God to rouse peasants from their summer naps to ensure they didn’t become too lazy. However, this backfired as the buzzing sound lulled the workers into an even deeper sleep. This legend is captured in the old saying, "Il ne fait pas bon de travailler quand la cigale chante"—it’s not good to work when the cicada sings.
Provençal Craftsmanship: Immortalizing the Cicada
Artisans throughout the region have immortalized the cicada in their crafts. In 1895, ceramicist Louis Sicard from Aubagne was commissioned to create a small keepsake symbolizing Provence. He crafted the first faience cicada, inscribed with the phrase "Lou soulei mi fa canta," Provençal for "the sun makes me sing." His creations made the cicada an iconic regional symbol.
Today, cicadas appear in all kinds of Provençal artwork, from textiles to handmade ceramic pieces. At Ça et Là, we offer beautifully crafted ceramic cicada pocket vases and cicada wall ornaments, carrying on this timeless tradition. These pieces aren’t just decorative—they symbolize the deep connection between the people, the land, and the unique creatures that inhabit it. When we set these cicadas out at markets, it’s not uncommon for people to ask, “What’s with the bugs?”—and that’s where the storytelling begins.
Cicadas in Literature and Myth
Cicadas have inspired poets and philosophers for centuries. Ancient Greek writers saw cicadas as symbols of rebirth due to their life cycle of emerging from the earth after years underground French literary tradition also picked up on these themes, with Jean de La Fontaine penning La Cigale et la Fourmi (The Cicada and the Ant), which tells the tale of the carefree cicada and the hardworking ant, echoing the importance of balancing leisure and joy with work and preparation for the future.
Provence Mirrors the Cicada: A Summer Awakening
Provence itself mirrors the medicine of the cicada, coming alive each summer, buzzing with music, laughter, and the hum of tourists from all over the world. Just as cicadas emerge after years of dormancy to fill the air with their song, Provence awakens from the quiet of the colder months to become a vibrant, buzzing hub of activity.
Markets spring up in every town square, festivals bloom in every village, and the streets are alive with the sounds of summer. There’s a unique rhythm to life in Provence during these months, much like the cicada’s constant hum—a reminder that life is meant to be lived fully, in the warmth of the sun, surrounded by beauty, good food, and community.
The cicada, then, is not just a symbol of the South of France; it embodies the very spirit of Provence. It reminds us to embrace the present, to celebrate life, and to recognize the beauty in nature’s rhythms.
Embracing the Symphony
At Ça et Là, we are proud to carry on this tradition with our handmade cicada ceramics. Each piece, created with care by artisans from Provence, is a reminder of the region’s deep connection to its land, its people, and the creatures that call it home. Our ceramic cicada vases and cicada ornaments, and cicada magnets, offer a beautiful way to bring a piece of Provençal heritage into your own home.
So the next time you’re visiting one of our markets in Louisville and you hear someone ask, “What’s with the bugs?” you can tell them that cicadas are more than just summer insects—they’re the living heartbeat of Provence, singing tales of tradition, folklore, and a region that comes alive with each warm breeze.
Where you can adopt a cicada of your own:
Here’s where you can find Ça et Là in the coming months. We’ll be showcasing our beautiful ceramic cicadas and more handmade artisan goods from Provence. If you can’t make it to these events, you can always shop for your own cicada here on our website.
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October 5: Schnitzelburg Fall Festival at Monnik – Flea Off Market
Join us at this lively fall festival, perfect for enjoying local crafts, food, and music! -
October 11: Germantown Oktoberfest – Flea Off Market
Celebrate a belated Oktoberfest with us, surrounded by artisanal crafts and, of course, great beer! -
November 2: Flea Off Market at HCC - Flea Off Market
Stock up on unique holiday gifts and décor from our collection at the Highland Community Campus market. -
December 21-22: Holiday Bazaar Melwood Art Center – Flea Off Market
Get into the festive spirit and find one-of-a-kind holiday presents and stocking stuffers during this two-day bazaar.
We hope to see you there! Whether you're hunting for special gifts or simply exploring the best of local and imported artisan crafts, these markets offer a wonderful opportunity to experience Ça et Là firsthand.
Shop our artisan cicada collection online HERE
