Thus silkworms eat but do not drink, while cicadas drink but do not eat. Like netsuke these pendants were carved in many forms, but a popular subject was the cicada. Thus in ancient times it occurs as a small piece of sculpture which is placed on the tongue of the dead. The cicada as a toggle has the same meaning. Cicadas of the toggle type are still being carved from jade of various colors and are available for such use today.
Cicadas are fascinating insects.
No wonder the ancient Chinese accorded them such a high position in their folklore and in their art. Watching cicadas can engender awe in the observer. One student remarked that he had always considered cicadas rather magical, and could easily see how they came to have spiritual significance in old China.