We are pleased to participate in the A to Z Blog Challenge (http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/). The Story Crossroads theme for this year is “Fantastic Females in Folk & Fairy Tales.”
About Death and Ancestors:
The Shinto religion originates from Japan. When someone dies, their spirit remains forever. These spirits live in otherworlds though can also return to the earth. There is a 3-day Japanese Festival called Obon or Bon that honors the dead that combines religious and fun activities.
50-word-or-less summary
Before mother died, Hatschihime promised to wear wooden helmet to hide her beauty. Still rumors spread of her beauty. She became maid of sick woman. Woman’s son curious. Saw face. Asked to marry. No. Son determined. Mother’s spirit approved. Hatschihime agreed. Helmet remained/stuck during ceremony. Burst when completed.
Finding the Story:
Book – “The Maiden with the Wooden Helmet” in The Violet Fairy Book – here
Story of “The Maiden with the Wooden Helmet” – here
Internet Archive – The Violet Fairy Book – here
Another version – Hachikazuki as name rather than Hatschihime – here
Another version – “The Bowl-Bearer Princess” – here
Finding the “Fantastic”:
Hatschihime listened and respected all that her mother taught her. When her mother was worried that Hatschihime’s beauty could cause trouble for her everyday life in the form of harassment or worse, Hatschihime kept on that wooden helmet with no questions asked.
Despite the rumors or heckles from the villagers, Hatschihime was faithful to what her mother shared. She did get many marriage proposals despite this act, but she was ignored and left alone most of the time. She was bold and continued to say “no.” She was a hard worker whether in the fields or caring for the sick woman in bed. While she did say “no” to the sick woman’s son, he did not give up like the other men. He respected her choice in keeping her helmet on. While he got a glimpse while she drank some water, he did not force the helmet off.
When her mother’s spirit visited her, Hatschihime listened again when her mother said that the sick woman’s son was a good man. She still had a choice, though the trust in her mother was phenomenal.
Recommended Article:
Due to the mother’s influence in this story, enjoy this article that includes “What is Typical Japanese Parenting Style?” written by O’Sullivan Counseling.
Thoughts?
Please share thoughts in the comments. While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has year-round offerings. See our popular links and upcoming events at our One-Stop.
As for our past A to Z Challenges…
Story Crossroads celebrates the hybrid Summit & Festival on May 13-16, 2024 – yes, in-person and virtual – and would be honored for you to join us. Explore the schedule and register here: http://www.storycrossroads.org/Festival
Thanks to funding from National Endowment for the Arts; National Endowment for the Humanities; Western States Arts Federation; Utah Division of Arts and Museums/Utah Legislature; Utah Humanities; City of Murray; Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) of Salt Lake County; Salt Lake City Arts Council; and people like you.
It is still true that a beautiful woman has to be extra careful because of the desire or envy she arouses in others. It may be an advantage in some respects but the mother was wise to protect her daughter in that way.
Why did her mother want to hide her beauty? G’day. Just visiting on the A to Z hop. Interesting topic you’ve chosen.