World Fables and Fairy Tales Selection - (Japanese-Chinese Contrast) (Book + 4 Japanese CDs)

Author: Zhang Xiaoxi / Country:
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features: In a place where a poor, elderly couple lived, the old man made a hat and five more on New Year's Eve. He went around the town, selling them, saying, "These hats aren't needed anymore." But tomorrow was the New Year's Festival. Everyone was busy, and no one bought the hats. The old man grew sad and looked up at the sky. Snowflakes fell one after another. "I can't do anything for my wife like this, but there's no other choice. I'll go home." The old man muttered to himself and started walking toward home. After a while, he came to a field where six Jizo statues stood. "I didn't notice them when I was leaving. They must be freezing." The old man began putting the unsold hats on the Jizo statues. One, two, three, four, five. "Wait, one is missing." So, the old man took off his own worn hat and put it on the sixth Jizo statue. "These ragged hats, please forgive them." When the old man returned home, he told his wife, "I put all the hats on the Jizo statues." His wife smiled brightly. "That was a good thing you did. It's cold for the mad ones, so let's go to sleep." The two drank warm water, wrapped themselves in thin blankets, and fell asleep.
Late at night, the sound of dragging heavy things and the song, "Where is the house where the old man lent hats to six Jizo statues? Here, here, here—knock on the door," could be heard. When the old man and his wife went outside, they knocked, saying, "Here, here." Then, the six Jizo statues placed their heavy burdens and returned. The burdens were filled with money, rice, fish, and kimonos. It was truly a kind thing." The two clasped their hands in gratitude toward the returning Jizo statues. Thanks to this, the couple was able to welcome a warm and joyful New Year's Festival. P192-194