We are pleased to participate in the A to Z Blog Challenge for the month of April. The Story Crossroads theme for this year is “Becoming: Tales of Transformation & Calling.” We love exploring traditional tales from around the world within that theme.
About Bawang Merah and Bawang Putih:
In Indonesian folklore, Bawang Putih is a kind and patient young woman who suffers under the cruelty of her stepmother and stepsister, Bawang Merah. Forced into endless chores, she continues to act with honesty and compassion. When she loses her stepmother’s scarf in the river, her search leads her to an old woman who rewards her kindness. In contrast, Bawang Merah’s greed leads to her downfall. The story is not just about reward and punishment—it is a journey of character revealed through action.
Symbolism and Themes:
Kindness as Strength – Bawang Putih’s compassion and honesty guide her choices, even when she is mistreated. Her goodness is not passive—it shapes her path forward.
Choices and Consequences – Both sisters are given similar opportunities, but their decisions determine their outcomes, emphasizing personal responsibility in becoming.
Transformation Through Action – Bawang Putih’s life changes not by chance, but through the consistent actions she takes in the face of hardship.
Meaning of Names – Bawang Putih means White Garlic, which is linked with purity, honesty, and goodness. Bawang Merah means Red Onion/Shallot, which is linked to sharpness, intensity, and anger. These meanings match their personality’s perfectly!
50-word-or-less summary:
Bawang Putih endures harsh labor under her stepfamily. After losing a scarf in the river, she helps an old woman, who rewards her with a magical pumpkin filled with treasure. Her stepsister demands the same reward but chooses a larger pumpkin, which releases misfortune instead, restoring balance and justice.
Finding the Story:
- Read versions of Bawang Merah and Bawang Putih through online folktale collections such as TellStory and Indonesian Folklore.
- Compare versions featuring magical fish or enchanted gourds such as “Two Sisters and a Golden Gourd”
- Watch a video about the story (though it’s not in English, you can understand the story anyways)
Finding the Transformation:
Bawang Putih’s transformation is not sudden—it is built through each choice she makes. Her kindness leads her forward, even when no reward is guaranteed. Yet, Bawang Merah’s path shows how greed distorts becoming.
What choices shape who you are becoming? When faced with difficulty, what guides your actions?
Share your 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…
While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads celebrates the 11th hybrid summit & festival on May 2 & 4–6, 2026 – yes, in-person and virtual – and would be honored for you to join us.
Thanks to funding from National Endowment for the Arts; Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) of Salt Lake County; Creative West; Utah Division of Arts and Museums; City of Murray; Salt Lake City Arts Council; Utah Storytelling Guild; Murray City Library; Pleasant Grove Library; American Fork Library and people like you.
Was just reading about Vasalisa in Women Who Run… and it sounds similar.