THE WILLOW PATTERN

THE WILLOW PATTERN

One evening, the moon was full, every where and everything was quiet and still in the house of the Lee’s. A young woman named Yin was crying sorrowfully in her bedroom. The reason for her sadness was she fell in love with a young man but her father wanted her to wed another man that she herself did not want to marry. She was not brave enough to stand up to her powerful father. So, she decided to runaway from home with the young man of her choice – Yang. Before their escape, Yin’s father over heard their conversation and took out his war sword from his days in the Chinese Army where he had served as a young recruit. He chased after them outside and caught up with them several yards from their house.

Yin’s father challenged Yang to duel and asked him to draw his sword as he was also in the Army. They then began to fight. There were sounds of groans and clashing of swords whilst the fighting went on. Yin could only stare in amazement. Suddenly, the clashing of swords stopped and the loudest groan could be heard miles away in mountains and valleys.

Yin’s father was defeated by Yang and was getting weaker by the second. More groans followed and he dropped down dead right in front of Yang’s feet. Yin was upset at the sight of her father’s death but finally got over the shock at her wedding to Yang. It was on the same day her father’s funeral took place.

The tragic ending of her father did not stop Yin from marrying the man of her choice. This shows us that although a sad event has happened, there is no other way to cheer up the sadness in everybody’s heart than on a happy occasion to turn things that are sad into happiness.

This is my version of the well known Chinese folk tale:

THE WILLOW PATTERN

By Mohamed Yongawo (jr)