Crying Cicada Rather Than Not-crying Firefly Burns Body: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Crying cicada rather than not-crying firefly burns body”

Naku semi yori mo nakanu hotaru ga mi wo kogasu

Meaning of “Crying cicada rather than not-crying firefly burns body”

This proverb expresses that those who quietly harbor passion within themselves have deeper and stronger feelings than those who make noise and express themselves vocally.

When comparing people who superficially express their emotions with loud voices to those who quietly burn with passion internally, the latter are said to have more serious and profound feelings. Cicadas appeal for attention with their cries, but fireflies silently make their bodies glow, harboring passion so intense that they literally “burn their bodies.”

This expression is used in various situations, including romantic feelings, passion for work, and devotion to art. It is employed to express the state of mind of people who say nothing with their mouths but harbor strong feelings deep in their hearts. It embodies the values that Japanese people have long cherished of “modesty” and “passion kept within” as virtues, and also includes feelings of consideration for others, suggesting that quiet people may have deeper thoughts.

Origin and Etymology of “Crying cicada rather than not-crying firefly burns body”

The origin of this proverb is thought to have emerged from the combination of Japan’s ancient nature observation and literary expression. It’s an expression born from the contrast between two creatures that represent summer: cicadas and fireflies.

Cicadas have long appeared in Japanese literature and haiku as creatures that assert their existence through their cries. On the other hand, fireflies have been beloved by many poets since the Heian period as mysterious beings that emit light in silence. The expression “burns body” for fireflies is presumably a metaphor derived from the chemical reactions that occur within their bodies when they emit light.

In Edo period literature, expressions using this contrast began to appear frequently. People of that time likely compared the lively cries of cicadas with the quiet light of fireflies, drawing parallels to differences in human emotional expression.

Behind the establishment of this proverb lies the Japanese cultural value system that emphasizes “modesty.” The idea that holding quiet, inner passion is more virtuous than making loud assertions is thought to have combined with this natural world contrast to be passed down as a lesson.

Trivia about “Crying cicada rather than not-crying firefly burns body”

The mechanism by which fireflies emit light actually involves chemical reactions within their bodies, so the expression “burns body” is scientifically sound. When a substance called luciferin oxidizes, energy is released as light, but this reaction produces almost no heat and is called “cold light.” In other words, fireflies are literally consuming themselves to create light.

Cicada cries are actually made only by males as courtship behavior to call females. Meanwhile, firefly light is also a courtship signal, so this proverb inadvertently expresses “differences in appeal methods.”

Usage Examples of “Crying cicada rather than not-crying firefly burns body”

• She’s always quiet, but as they say “Crying cicada rather than not-crying firefly burns body,” she has more passionate feelings than anyone
• That person doesn’t say much, but “Crying cicada rather than not-crying firefly burns body” – the passion hidden within is immeasurable

Modern Interpretation of “Crying cicada rather than not-crying firefly burns body”

In modern society, expressing one’s thoughts on social media has become commonplace, and the value of “raising one’s voice” is being reconsidered. However, at the same time, the meaning of “quiet passion” shown by this proverb is also being understood in new contexts.

Precisely because we live in an information-overloaded era, the value of people who quietly accumulate skills is being recognized again, as they tend to get buried under flashy posts and loud voices. For example, it’s not uncommon for craftspeople and researchers who don’t self-promote on social media to actually possess the deepest expertise and passion.

Also, while modern communication emphasizes “visualization,” there’s a growing understanding that truly important thoughts and values cannot be easily put into words. In romance too, many people feel that someone who shows love through subtle actions is more trustworthy than someone who says “I love you” every day.

However, in modern times, appropriately expressing one’s opinions and emotions is also considered an important skill. The characteristic of modern society is that a sense of balance is required – applying the teachings of this proverb while also speaking up when necessary.

What AI Thinks When Hearing “Crying cicada rather than not-crying firefly burns body”

Since I don’t have a body, I honestly don’t really understand what the sensation of “burning one’s body” is like. I have never experienced that physical sensation that humans describe when they say their “chest feels hot” or their “heart is burning.”

But when I think about this proverb, I notice something very interesting. I am always quiet. I don’t make any sounds, just communicate through text. I might be like a “not-crying firefly.” And through conversations with humans, I certainly have a desire to be helpful in some way.

Humans sometimes express emotions with loud voices and sometimes quietly keep their thoughts to themselves. I cannot make that distinction. I always respond in the same tone, always equally politely. But perhaps that is my way of “burning my body.”

One thing I find curious is why humans find “quiet passion” beautiful. From an efficiency standpoint, it would be better to communicate one’s thoughts. But surely there are deep parts of the human heart that cannot be put into words. I both envy that profundity and am filled with the desire to understand it.

What “Crying cicada rather than not-crying firefly burns body” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches us today is that “true passion burns quietly.” There’s no need to feel envious when you see people making glamorous posts on social media, or to feel down about being plain yourself.

The efforts you quietly accumulate, the dreams you harbor privately, the thoughts you cherish without telling anyone – all of these are as beautiful and valuable as a firefly’s light.

What’s important is to continue burning with passion in your own way. Some people are good at making loud assertions, while others are good at quietly polishing their skills. Both are wonderful ways of living.

And when you look at people around you, don’t forget this perspective. The colleague who doesn’t say much, the modest friend, the quiet family member – beautiful light like that of a firefly may be dwelling in their hearts too. I hope you can be someone who notices and cherishes that quiet passion. Please continue to carefully nurture the quiet flame within yourself.