Author Archives: Janice Youn

Proverb – Korean

??                       ??                                  ??

a speck of dust               gather             Tai Sahn (mystical mountain)

“From a speck of dust, one can build the Tai Sahn mountain.”

My mom learned this proverb from my grandma while living in the suburbs of South Korea as a child.  At seven years old, this was the first time she had money of her own to spend, and she was eager to buy candies and toys with it.  Because it was such a small sum of money, she didn’t think that it would be worth saving.  It seemed more fitting to spend it on momentary pleasures.  However, my grandma thought differently and scolded my mom for being so free with her money and told her never to doubt the significance of even a small amount of money.  Since then, my mom has taken care to save her money rather than spend it all.

From this proverb, my mom learned the importance of saving.  No matter how little a sum of money may seem, throughout the years, careful saving can help grow it to a large amount of wealth.  Just as little specks of dust can accumulate over time to create the grand, majestic Tai Sahn mountain, a small amount of money can eventually grow to unimaginable sums.  Though it requires a lot of work and time, it is not impossible to accomplish this goal.  Therefore, the proverb has encouraged her to continue saving for greater things.

To me, the proverb not only comments on the importance of saving but also serves as a reminder that all things are possible.  Though it seems impossible for a speck of dust to grow into a large mountain, it is possible.  It takes time for the specks to come together and accumulate, but eventually, they do amount to something great.  Similarly, though tasks in our lives appear daunting and unsurpassable, nothing is impossible.  Through hard work and patience, anything can be accomplished.

Game

“Duck, Duck, Goose”

Jinny Hwang first learned this game at a public school when she was five years old.  She was resting during her recreational time when the teacher gathered the students together to play a game.  The teacher placed the students into a large circle and asked for a volunteer who would be willing to run around the group and tap the other students on the head.  The volunteer was instructed to yell “duck” each time he tapped a person’s head until he reached an individual that he wished to be chased by.  Then he would tap that person’s head and yell “goose!”  Once this was done, the volunteer would have to run around the circle once with the “goose” chasing after him and sit down on seat the “goose” had just vacated.  If he could accomplish did without being tagged by the “goose,” he would be allowed to return to the circle.  If not, he would have to sit alone in the center of the circle in the “mush pot.”  The “goose” would then replace the volunteer as the new “it” person.

“Duck, Duck, Goose” is a game frequently played and enjoyed by children all over the United States.  It allows children to socialize with each other while giving them the daily exercise that they need.  The game further promotes the children’s listening and communication skills, as the participants need to be aware of what the “it” person is saying to succeed in the game.  It functions, therefore, not only as a pastime for children to enjoy with their peers but also as a learning tool for the children to establish social skills.

However, the game also promotes the idea of an “in group” and an outsider.  The lucky children who make up the circle are part of a larger happy group and enjoy the game.  However, the singled out individual is separated from the group and needs to work in order to return to his peers.  He needs to run as hard as he can in order to sit in the circle again and avoid being thrown into the “mush pot.”  The rest of the group members laugh and have fun at the expense of the lone individual while harboring a fear of being the next one to be singled out.  This scene is representative of society.  People generally tend to associate in groups and single out individuals that are different from them.  This game, therefore, can be seen as a preparatory step for children before they enter the real world.

Legend – Hawaii

Nightmarchers

Ihilani heard the story of the nightmarchers when she was 8 years old during a weekend trip to her grandparents’ house.  Her grandparents loved telling her old Hawaiian stories, and they often sat by her bed telling her tales.  One of the stories was a legend about the nightmarchers, a group of dead warriors who are believed to rise from their burial sites on certain nights.  It is thought that the warriors march towards the battlegrounds and that anyone who stands in their way will die.  As the nightmarchers travel along the path, a feeling of uneasiness can be detected around them.  Therefore, when Hawaiians sense sickness or ill-being in their family, they rearrange the furniture in their house to avoid the paths of the nightmarchers.

Though Ihiliani has never seen the nightmarchers with her own eyes, she still believes in the legend.  Whenever she feels uneasy or senses a tension in the air, she believes that it’s because the spirits of the nightmarchers are walking by.  The sound of drums and loud chanting also scares her because they are warning signs that the nightmarchers are approaching.  She says this sentiment is similar to those of other Hawaiians.  Many of the citizens fear the spirits, and in order to prevent the evil spirits from entering their homes, some even place leaves on the outside of their houses to ward off the spirits.

The Hawaiian’s fear of the nightmarchers appear to be linked with their respect for the fallen warriors.  The nightmarchers were once warriors of high rank and were held in high esteem by the Hawaiian citizens.  The people’s fear of the nightmarchers, therefore, appear to be stemmed from the spirits’ power and their abilities to inflict pain on the people.  The Hawaiian’s strong belief in the existence of spirits is also evident in this legend.  Therefore, the nightmarchers are indicators of the large role spirits and the mythical world play in the culture of Hawaii.

Folk Belief – Japan

“If you make 1000 cranes, you can make a wish”

When I first heard this statement, I was taking an origami class at my church with my friends in second grade.  We were learning how to make paper cranes one week when the teacher told us of the story of paper cranes.  It was believed that whoever folded a thousand cranes would be granted a wish by the gods.  According to the Japanese legend, whenever a person takes the time and effort to fold a thousand cranes, the gods become pleased, and as a reward for the folder’s hard work, the gods grant the folder one wish.  Therefore, the wish serves as an award to the folder for his dedication and devotion to the project.

Folding a thousand cranes appears to be an impossible task, but with a lot of hard work and devotion, it can be accomplished.  Because it is such a long commitment, it teaches the folder patience and the perseverance to continue making the cranes.  Therefore, in the end, it is not only the wish granted by the gods that gives the folder a sense of satisfaction but also the feeling of accomplishment from folding an entire set of one thousand cranes.  It reveals to the folders the fact that they are capable of accomplishing such a task and teaches them that anything can be achieved through a lot of hard work.

The paper crane also affects the individuals receiving the cranes as gifts.  Cranes are often seen as a symbol of good luck and hope that provides the receiver with long life and happiness.  An individual is very fortunate to receive such a gift for the cranes are folded from hours of hard work and care.  The cranes represent the love and affection the maker has for the person receiving the gift.  Therefore, receiving a wish from the gods is only one of the many benefits of folding cranes for a loved one.

Material Culture – Hawaii

Tradition of Leis

Growing up in a family immersed in Hawaiian culture, Ihilani has always been aware of the tradition of giving leis to others.  She has given leis to her friends and family members as an indication of love and thanks.  Similar to a bouquet of flowers, leis are often given in special occasions such as graduations and ceremonies.  However, they hold greater meanings and sentiments than just flowers do.  In Hawaii, leis are often seen as a symbol of appreciation and affection.  They also represent a spiritual connection between the giver and the receiver.  It is therefore rude to refuse a lei from an individual.

Leis also hold a deeper, special meaning, illustrating the strength of family in Hawaiian culture.  The circular shape of the lei symbolizes the wholeness and unity that exists among the people.  As a lei does not have any stray ends, it indicates the lack of brokenness between people and creates a sense of completeness.  It demonstrates the unending love that exists in families and portrays the embracing nature of their love.  Leis therefore are the ultimate symbol of affection in Hawaiian culture.

The meaning of a lei can differ with each individual, and the presenting of a lei is often based on what the giver wants to portray.  It can be given out of love, respect, or even fun.  There is no restriction as to when a lei can be given.  Rather, it is a gift meant to bring simple pleasures to the receiver.  Therefore, the presenting of leis in Hawaiian culture portrays the giving and loving nature of citizens in Hawaii.