hibernation of insects
蟄 centers on insects entering a dormant, hidden state: hibernation. The idea is of a creature concealing itself and becoming still for a season.
蟄 combines 虫 (insect) with 執, which likely contributes the sound and the idea of holding or seizing, suggesting an insect held in a dormant state.
An insect 虫 is held 執 in place, curled up and still, as it hibernates through the cold.
For チツ, imagine a hibernating insect tucked inside a tiny cheese wheel: cheese -> チーズ, and the insect is hidden away in the cheese for the winter, cueing チツ.
shutting oneself up in one's house; staying indoors; living in seclusion
"awakening of insects" solar term (approx. March 6, the day on which hibernating insects are said to come out of the ground)
hibernation; staying home or in place
house arrest; being placed in confinement at home
house arrest; being placed in confinement at home