The Origins of Limestone, Box, and Pinang
In the life of the Malays are known for a tradition known as betel-chewing, the tradition of chewing betel nut mixed with lime and betel nuts. This tradition is also known by the Malays in Vietnam. In fact, among the people of Vietnam Malays spread an interesting story about the origins of lime, betel and areca. It is said, lime, betel and areca nut is an incarnation of two twin boys and a woman looking beautiful. Why are they transformed into lime, betel and areca nut? The story you can follow the story of The Origin of Limestone, Box, and Pinang.
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Once, in an area in Vietnam, lived a happy couple with two twin boys named Tang and Lan. Twin brother were both handsome and clever. Their noses sharp and round eyes shining. Both love each other. Wherever they go, they were always together.
One day, Tang and Lan’s father was seriously ill. There have been many doctors who treated him, but the pain doesn’t go away, and finally died. The whole family was heartbroken, especially Tang mothers and Lan. Therefore a deep sadness, Tang and Lan’s mother would not eat until she fell ill. Not long ago, they mother died. So, Tang and Lan stay as an orphan.
Although their parents were dead, Tang and Lan still have passion for life. Therefore they have no relatives in the village, they had decided to go into town to seek his father’s best friend is named Judge Luu, hoping that Judge Luu can help find employment for them.
After preparing all the logistics, they were off to the city. Arriving in town, they asked, here there for Justice Luu home address, because they had never been to town before. After a long search, they finally found a home Luu Judge.
“Brother, this is right. This was my uncle’s house, “Lan said, pointing to Tang the attached nameplate on the door of the house.
“Knock …! Knock…! Knock…! Excuse …!!!” Tang said, tapping the door.
“Yes … a minute! “came a voice from inside the house.
Not long ago, seemed a tall man opened the door fat. Behind him was a white girl was spying.
“Eeeh … Lan and Tang! Come in!” said Judge Luu.
“Thank you, Uncle!” said Tang and Lan.
Before allow to sit, Judge Luu first introduced her daughter to them. Judge Luu’s daughter is a smart little girl, but shy. When she met with Tang and Lan, her cheeks flushed.
“How did you get here?” asked Judge Luu.
Hearing the question, Tang and Lan looked at each other.
“Looks like you both have a problem. What is it, son?” asked Judge Luu.
“Yes, uncle, we’re sorry. Two weeks ago our fathers died of illness,” Tang said sadly.
“Huh, died! Why don’t you let me know?” Judge Luu asked with surprise.
“Then, what about your mother?” He added with worry.
“Look, Uncle. After the death of father, mother would not eat until she fell ill. A few days later, she was following father, “said Tang.
“I am condolences over the death of your parents. You know you don’t have anyone else. So, you can stay in this house with us, “said Judge Luu.
“Thank you, Uncle!” said Tang and Lan simultaneously.
Since then, Tang and Lan stay at home Judge Luu. They are industrious and diligent helps Judge Luu selling in stores. Judge Luu loved them like his own child.
Time passed. Lan Tang and grow into a handsome young man and intelligent. They behaviors and manners captivate everyone. Judge Luu’ daughter was growing up and getting pretty. Apparently, Tang and Lan secretly paying attention to the shy Judge Luu’s daughter. However, they were embarrassed and didn’t dare say it.
On one day, intent on the liver arising Judge Luu to marry one of them with his daughter. However, he couldn’t determine who will be chosen, because they have the looks and mannerisms are similar. Finally, he invited the twins to deliberation.
“Son, I intend to marry my daughter. But, I still confused to choose one of you, “said Judge Luu.
“With Tang course, Uncle!” said Lan.
“No, Uncle! Lan course!” protested Tang.
Judge Luu even more confused to see the twins were pointed at each other. He must choose one of them. To that, Judge Luu want to know who among them are older and are entitled to marry his daughter. He then asked the daughter to provide food bowl and a pair of chopsticks in front of the Tang and Lan. As Judge Luu allows them to dine, Lan immediately took the chopsticks, then handed it over to Tang politely. Tang accepted. Seeing this, Judge Luu knows that Tang is the older. So, Tang was elected into law.
Their wedding was held with great fanfare. Various arts and dance performances staged. Invitation came from various countries. Even many royal lords came to the party. The invitation join the happy couple were seen sitting on the dais alongside.
The young bride’s life was very happy. Tang often write poems and sing love to portray a sense of happiness. Because too much fun with his new life, Tang forget Lan. He never again talked and sat and talked with his brother. Lan initially understand. However, the day of the Tang attitudes don’t care anymore to him, so that Lan felt lonely.
“So unfortunately I am. Brother had already forgotten me. What is the point being here if not talk at all, “Lan said with sadness.
Lan then wandered alone was determined to remove his grief. He also left the city without the knowledge of the Tang and the family of Judge Luu. He walked without direction and purpose, to follow where the legs move. He has spent much of the forests, the mountain he climbed, and he crossed the river, but his sadness doesn’t go away from the heart.
One day, when it grew dark, he arrived at a beautiful beach and cool. Lan looking for a place to stay, but didn’t find a place to shelter. His stomach was very hungry too, because it was a few days not filled by any food. Over time, his body grew weaker, and finally died on the spot. It is said that Lan’s body turned into a white limestone.
In the meantime, Tang is realized his brother had been away from home feeling very sorry. With feelings of sadness and grief, he went looking for his brother. After walking through dense forest, hiking, and cross the river, he reached the shore where his brother died. By being too tired, he sat down on the beach watching the waves.
“Lan, my brother! Where are you? I’m very sorry for neglecting you, “said Tang said, sobbing.
During the two days and two nights sitting on the beach, Tang’s incessant crying. He also didn’t eat and drink, so sick. Finally he died on the spot, and his body turned into a tree nut.
Meanwhile, Tang’s wife was fed up waiting for the return of her husband. She went looking for her lovely husband. She kept walking tirelessly until finally reaching the coast which is also where her husband died. By being too tired, she sat against a tree nut on the beach crying nonstop. Gradually the body becomes weak helpless, and finally died. His body was turned into a tree and wrapped in betel nut tree which is none other than her own incarnation.
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Origin stories such Limestone, Box, and Pinang from Vietnam. To commemorate the event, local residents built a synagogue on the beach, so that their love is sincere can be imitated. Among Malays Vietnamese communities, lime, betel and areca become a symbol of love.
The moral story on the legend, at least two moral messages that can be learned from the story above, the primacy of love and the nature of the impact properties lost in happiness.
The nature of love, this character is reflected in the attitudes and behavior of Tang and his wife are willing to walk far to find the people they care about. However, there is a lesson to be drawn from these events that, if loves or loved one should not be excessive, so out of control and endanger his soul. In Malays life, the nature of love is given priority, but within reasonable limits. Told in a string of poetry:
Oh dear, listen to the fairy
Love each other is praiseworthy
Good care of yourself
Don’t hurt others heart
The effects of drift in the nature of happiness, this described by the attitudes and behaviors that Tang lost in his home life, so he ignored his own brother. As a result, his brother had left, because he felt lonely. From here can be learned a lesson that happiness in family life can cause a person to forget to brothers and the people around him.
