Okinawan Folktale: The Origins of Shimakanka

Not the Typical Love Story

Shimakanka, is a ritual celebration held in some villages in the Ryukyu Island Chain.

Last year, with the help of some friends, I attended the event in Ginoza Village.

The story was published at Stars and Stripes Okinawa Feb 22, 2016.

The portion, concerning the folklore, I will re-post here as, it is an interesting folk story.

A Grisly Folk Tale

Long before this island became Okinawa, it was Ryukyu and, way before the Ryukyu Kingdom existed as an independent country, the land was ruled by Lords, known as Aji. They built castles in their territories, to defend the populations and lands, under their control, from other Aji, seeking to increase their power.

One of these Lords had an only daughter. An epidemic, raging through the islands, took the life of his beautiful young girl. Heartbroken and grieving, he buried her in a cave along the east coast of the island.

That same day, a young man who had bought a cow was heading home with his animal tied to a rope.

Dark clouds suddenly appeared and, he decided to take shelter from an approaching thunderstorm. As the rain began to fall, he tied the cow to a nearby tree and took shelter at the entrance to the cave.

From the overhang of the cavern he watched water splash as small streams flowed, carrying leaves and earth away from just outside his shelter. He shivered and thought how lucky bovines must be. Their thick hide protects them from the ice cold rain. The weather didn't seem to phase cattle. And, he started thinking, how nice some of his grandmother's hot tea, would be, to have right now.

Extremely Chilling Experience

Shaking and coughing from getting wet, he thought he may be catching a cold and wanted to get home.

As the rain slacked off, he decided to get out of the cave, grab the cow and hurry on towards home.

He knew, for sure, grandmother would insist, he change clothes and drink a steaming kettle of hot ocha.

Then something happened to really make him want to hurry out of that shelter. A voice shouted. It was a woman's scream from under a pile of stones in the cave. “Help me. Please get me out of here!”

Thinking, it was a ghost the boy began to run. On his first step to leave the cave, a hand grabbed him by the hair on the back of his head. When he tried to run, the grasp just became tighter. The voice cried out, “Help me, please. I'm a young girl who fainted with illness. My parents thought I died and buried me here. I am alive; help me!”

Assured that it was a human in need, the young man removed the rocks burying her body and rescued her. The rain stopped and he carried her outside. He scooped fresh water from a flowing spring and nourished her. Leaving the cow behind, he carried the young woman, on his back, to her father's castle.

Exuberance at the Castle

The sentries at the castle announced the miracle of the princesses return. Everyone was ecstatic, the Lord's only daughter had survived. This was an occasion for a feast and a big celebration.

The Aji announced to the lad, “As a reward, I will give you anything you desire.” Without blinking an eye the boy said, “OK. I'd like to have your daughter as my wife.”

The Lord roared, “Peasant, you can't have this woman of royal blood as a bride!” That, got everybody shaking. “Father, I have already been considered dead, once. Please, let me be this man's wife.”

The daughter's plea, touched the Lord and, he gave the blessing for their marriage.

Slaughter of the Cow

The young man escorted an entourage, from the castle to the cavern, where the girl had been buried.

The grave site in the mountain was cleaned up and the cow was sacrificed near the cavern entrance.

Pampas grass, tied in loops was soaked in the animal's blood and used to shoo away evil spirits.

Today, the loops of grass, known as, “San” may be seen placed as amulets to ward off evil.

The San may be seen at entrances to villages and, at the corners of homeowners properties.

In some locations, they may be soaked in animal's blood but, no blood was seen in Sokei, Ginoza.

Photography and text by Michael Lynch

Verbal translation by Mami Sakiyama

Text translation by Alina Rădulescu (Folklorist)

Sketch by Atsushi Maezato

MORE OKINAWA FOLKLORE

Okinawa Folktale: Unimuchi

Call It a Devil Cake

Mochi (muchi) is rice cake, served to young and old during the New Year.

An uni or, oni roughly translated, would mean, devil.

On the 8^th day of December (Chinese calendar) unimuchi is served in Okinawan homes.

It is believed, that this date precedes the coldest day of the year.

Cakes, wrapped in gettoo leaves, are opened and families ask the spirits for protection.

Consuming the unimuchi is believed to ward off bad health and bring good luck.

If you don't care for gruesome stories, there's no need, to read any further.

 

The Demon Lived in a Cave

High on cliffs, overlooking the ocean, the monster stayed concealed during daylight hours.

In his youth, he was a perfectly normal child and, cared for his younger sister.

The parents, had moved on to the world of the spirits, at an early age.

A hard working teen, he earned what he could, while sister, kept a garden and cooked.

Survival was the name of the game and, he did well, as the man of the house.

Reaching Manhood He Changed Drastically

The lad, sprouted small horns on his head and, developed a hairy body.

He became violent and mean, as if he were a madman.

The villagers, ganged up and, ran him out of town so, he headed for the hills.

Not long afterwards, bad things began to happen, in the once peaceful hamlet.

 

It began slowly. Overnight, a small animal (chicken, cat, piglet) would disappear.

Little things like this happen, naturally, sometimes so, no one panicked.

As the months went by bigger things, fell victim, to the darkness.

When livestock, such as cattle, hogs, horses and goats, were taken in the night, people noticed.

Eventually, humans were being dragged away. It was the demon.

Sketch by Atsushi Maezato

 

Something Had to be Done

 

Little sister suspected, the culprit might have been her big brother, turned ogre.

As a family member, she felt responsible, for the villager's grief.

Knowing the approximate location of the monster's dwelling, she devised a plan.

Her Nini (big brother) used to love the rice cakes, she prepared for him.

She fixed up a basket, loaded with steamed rice cakes, wrapped in gettoo leaves.

Inside the rice cakes, nicely concealed, were shards of broken roof tiles.

She hiked up the hill and, placed the basket of food on a rock, near the cliff edge.

Sweating from her journey, she approached the cave, thinking it might cool her.

As she approached the entrance, it turned her stomach.

The cave was dark, reeking of rotting flesh and death.

She called out “Nini, are you here?”

The demon appeared. He growled and grabbed his sister, to take into the cavern.

“Tell me why, you came here and, it better be for a good reason or, I'll eat you, too.”

She told him about the rice cakes, sitting on the rock, outside. “Over there.”

Sketch by Atsushi Maezato

 

She led the way, to the spot where the basket had been stashed and watched him eat.

He began devouring them whole, not paying attention, to what he was eating.

Soon, he began bleeding from the mouth, screaming in pain.

When he was writhing in pain and faced towards the sea, she shoved him off the cliff.

The devil, was gone forever and, ice cold wind blew in the girl's face.

By the Lunar calendar, it was the eighth day of December.

The tradition, of eating unimochi, continues in Okinawa, today.

Try some, without the tiles.

References:

Okinawan Folk Stories ISBN978-4-99009-0

Adapted from: Onimochi P. 189

Okinawa Folktale: Mibai and Octopus

Sketch by Atsushi Maezato

Unhealthy Widow and Caring Son

A feeble, ailing woman lived on the island, with her only son. As man of the house, it was his obligation, to provide medical support and nourishment for his sickly mother.

A talented outdoors-man, he would go to the mountains and hunt wild boar. The pork was nutritious and, one pig could sustain the family for weeks. He wasn't much of a farmer but, knew his mother had other dietary needs. She, tended a small vegetable garden. He, would gather the roots and bark of certain trees and, pluck fuchi-baa (mugwort) for her, to use in cooking and making herbal teas, while on his daily outings.  

He knew shellfish and fresh seafood were an important supplement in the Ryukyu diet. Sometimes, he would go, at low tide and, collect mollusks, bringing a small bucket of shells home for diner. He just, wasn't enthusiastic about the scent of the ocean, during the cycles of the tide, at that part of the day.

When the Tide Is Right

Late one afternoon a cool breeze and the sounds of the surf, jogged the lad's memory. He recalled the days when his father would say, “This is the best time, to land a fat, fresh fish, to bring home for supper.” Conditions seemed perfect.

There wasn't much fishing tackle, left from the days his father walked the earth. The boy hurried, to the shed, to see what he could use, to land some fresh fish. All, he could find was a coil of fishing line and one hook. His father, had called it, “The lucky fishing hook.”

He hurried, down to an outcropping of rocks, baited the hook and, tossed it into the sea. The sounds of the waves, gently breaking against the coral was relaxing. He felt as if, he could sit there, inhaling the salty air, forever. It was like receiving some sort of ocean-side therapy. It was comfortably calm.

Before, a minute went by, he felt a ferocious yank on the fishing line. If he hadn't braced himself quickly, he would have been hauled into the sea. The fish, taking the bait was a monster, thrashing wildly, left and right, nearly pulling the boy off the rocks. He didn't have a rod and reel. He struggled with the line, reeling it in, by wrapping it around his left hand, as he fought, to bring the fish ashore.

A few times, he caught a glimpse of what, he had caught. Centimeters, at at time he, was pulling the fish towards the rocks. He started thinking, of the smiles, it would bring mama; smelling this catch, roasting over the coals, hearing it sizzle, over tonight's fire. It was exciting. Just a few more tugs on the line. He hauled it up, until its tail, came out of the water and, got salty spray in his eyes. But, suddenly, his hopes and dreams, were dashed. The fish-line broke and, the thing, got away, with his one and only fish hook.

God Heard His Cries

The young man thought, how disappointed his mother would be and, he cried. All the boy would, return home with, was a broken string, wrapped around his hand, no fish for diner and, no more lucky fishing hook.

The Ryukyu God appeared and asked the youngster, why he was crying. The boy, told him the story, about the fish which, had escaped, with the hook. God, knew the son had always done, the best he could, in caring for his sickly mother.

All Inhabitants of the Sea

The God went off onto the sea and commanded all ocean-dwellers, to assemble in front of him.

Every form of sea-life, showed-up promptly, except for one creature. The mibai (grouper) was missing.

God, wanted to know why. An octopus, raised an appendage and gave an excuse, for the missing mibai. “The fish, asked me, to tell you, he isn't feeling well so, couldn't answer your call.”

The Ryukyu God, didn't believe the octopus's story and, let him know. “Get me that rascal fish, right now.” Red-faced, the octopus swam away and, soon returned with the mibai. God, asked if the fish, had taken a hook, away from the boy, who was trying to get food for his sickly mother. The mibai, admitted, “Yes God but, it's stuck inside my cheek.” God, took his walking stick, pried the fish's mouth open and, twisted the fish hook free.

Next, it was time, to punish the octopus, for telling a lie. He took his staff and, whacked all the octopus's arms, beating them to a pulp.

Ever since that time, the octopus, has no bones in its tentacles. And, mibai fish, have big mouths.

The Ryukyu God, returned the lucky fishing hook to the young boy. His mother, overcame her sickness and, the son became a highly successful fisherman.

REFERENCE:

Okinawan Folk Stories ISBN978-4-99009-146-0

Adapted from: The Story of the Mibai and the Octopus P.180


MORE OKINAWA FOLKLORE

Recovering from Surgery and Back on the Road

Thanks to Many Great Friends

 

 

Well wishes and prayers from around the globe were a contributing factor.

Anybody, who really knows me, can testify. I'm scared to death of hospitals.

This thing called a hernia, popped inside me back in early October.

And, I figured if, I ignored it long enough, it would go away.

The family knows, I ain't going to a hospital until I'm ready to croak.

When that happened, I figured, it was time to go.

The wife, a daughter and granddaughter had me admitted.

Marin, one of my sweetheart granddaughters, made this sketch and handed it to me.

She is one heck of an artist. Made me and granny look 20 years younger !

The card says, "Grandpa, hurry home and good luck."

To her, I am a tough guy. So, I didn't let her see the tears in my eyes.

Fantastic Doctors and Nurses

 

 

It wasn't exactly like a five star hotel visit.

But, I would recommend this hospital, to any of my friends visiting Okinawa.

The name of the place is Nago Ishikai Byoin.

They have all the latest technology and, treated me like royalty.

Except maybe, for the part where they knocked me out, cut me open and patched me up.

They did a great job and, after four days, turned me loose.

Island Hopping Great Therapy

 

 

On the causeway leading to Henza Island, I took this photo.

Somehow, along the way to find historic trees, I got sidetracked.

The girl volunteered to have her photo taken. Don't ask why, it just happened.

Just to show what a good sport I am, I posed for the girls hanging around.

My good buddy, Doc, operated the camera.

Next thing ya know, another gal, posed along with me.

Not sure if, they preferred the beard tucked in or, hanging out, I asked them.

There was a unanimous decision. Let it all hang out.

Just the beard, I mean.

Before ya know it, the gals wanted to take pictures, posing with us in the street.

One or two snaps and, we had to get out of there to go find sacred trees....

.....before, I busted a gut !

Now, I think it's time to get on home, have a beer and get some rest.

Photography Tip: Shoot a Sketch and Five Reasons Why

Here's a Photography Tip I discovered by accident and it has saved they day for me on more than one occassion. So, I'll give you five reasons why I shoot sketches and hope one of them saves your day sometime, too. Shoot a Sketch. Once you shoot a sketch, it becomes a photo. You and the sketch artist own the copyright and you treat it just the same as any other photo you've taken.

Here are three of my munchkin Grand kids doing pencil sketches of an important event for me.
They are using photos I took of someone else's photos as models for their sketches. I have no right to use those photos because I am not the original artist. Not a problem. Grand kids, hah, I have plenty of them. They need stuff to keep their little hands out of the cookie jar. Sketch!

Here's an old US ARMY photo taken during the Battle of Okinawa. I needed it for a magazine article. The ARMY keeps this stuff on file somewhere in the Library of Congress,  in the USA.

I've been trying to get permission to use this photo for over a year. Congress has more important stuff to do, like raising taxes and spending more money so, they don't have time to help me do what I think is important. I don't vote for those suckers. I just work and pay their silly little taxes.

There was a deadline for this magazine back in January 2010. Well, the Grandkids got drafted for sketching, again. But, I wasn't getting the desired effect from their sketches, this time. So, I let them put the pencils down and go eat cookies. I had a better plan. Go pay a real sketch artist.

Look real close at the lower right corner. There's his copyright. He got ten bucks and I got the sketch to do with as I pleased. Now, we're both published artists at APOGEE PHOTO 2010.

One of my Grandsons got this sketch published at GO NOMAD in November of 2009.

And another Grandson hit print at MATADOR TRIPS September of 2009 with this sketch.

Five Reasons to Shoot a Sketch:
1. It gives little munchkins something to do on a rainy day besides eating all your cookies.
2. It gives sketch artists a place to get their work recognized.
3. It is a way to get around copyright violations.
4. It eliminates the need for a Model Release.
5. It can help make up for a really, really bad CAMERA DAY.

Have you ever thought of using sketches in your photography?

Visit here to see where else I have been PUBLISHED.