17th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Rebirth

This is the shed nymph skin of the annual cicada on the grave of George Herbert Williams and Bessie Dickerson Williams in New Castle Presbyterian Church Cemetery. In Ancient China, cicadas symbolize rebirth or immortality. In a way, the soul of George or Bessie is being reborn through the change from cicada nymph to adult.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2017
Date Uploaded: 10.2019
Photo Location: New Castle, Delaware, United States of America
Camera: SP600UZ
Copyright: © Alayna DeMarco