The novel’s title, Full Cicada Moon, and the resemblance of Mimi’s name to a cicada’s song both reflect one of the novel’s major symbols. Mimi was named because her cries sounded like the sounds of cicadas in the summer. In multiple instances, Mimi reflects on the nature of a cicada. One particular cicada, the magicicada, hides under the ground for years until it is ready to burst out and cover the moon. Mimi relates to the nature of the cicada, knowing that though she is “hiding underground” in her own way, she will make her debut, and both metaphorically and literally reach the moon and attract attention for her success the way cicadas do.

The title refers to the way cicadas flock to the moon when they burst out, a full moon that arrives after waiting for the right time. The Full Cicada Moon is Mimi’s time to shine—when she finally is on the path to achieving her dreams and has become her most confident and courageous self. Though it is important that she reaches that stage, it is more important that she does so when the time is right.