Because the unusual circumstances surrounding the cicada--its periodical emergence from underground, its rapid metamorphosis and its abandonment of its emtpy skin--the insect has been associated with resurrection or rebirth in a number of cultures. For instance, the creation myth of the Orabai Indians considered the cicada one of the original creatures to emerge with their human ancestors. The Japanese celebrate the insect during their New Year festivals, making large kites in its image. According to Greek legend, a cicada once helped a harpist win a contest by hitting the proper note when the musician's string snapped; "[e]ver since, the cicada has been the Greek symbol of melody" (Clausen 130).