Diviner Tales and beliefs 2.

~*Diviner tales and beliefs*~
SACRED LORE and POEMS
ROSE OF SHARON/KING�S ROSE [Perseverance]
When other spring flowers have faded, the Rose of Sharon blooms for 100 days in the midst of lush green leaves. The flowers open with the sun and close at dusk. After opening once, the flowers fade, but new blooms keep coming, thus it is also called the 'eternal' flower. Some say that it was the gift of a King to his wife before he died, so she would never forget him.

PINE TREES [Integrity]
Our ancestors say that we are born in pine trees. The gods seeing how strong and steadfast the pine trees are decided that they would create the human race from the pine. The pine is a noble tree for it remains green all winter, a model of steadfastness and integrity. In traditional paintings and poetry, the pine was one of the ten longevity symbols.
Treaded all the famous mountains of eight provinces�
...Entered the Dragons Gate, and threw left and right.
Dew dropped at night, and the Sun beamed in the daytime
A shoot came out and grew, and the green pine took root
Leaves sprouted, and after it became a sapling
Six Ministers of Board watered, and Three Councilors took care.
It grew and grew, and became a small tree.
The small tree grew and became a big tree.
The big tree grew and became an Emperor tree.
Fleeting times flowed and flowed, and it became an old tree.
- A shaman's Magpies Garden chant for welcoming the House Spirit

GOBLINS {Broom Sticks} [Obstacles/Problems at home]
Goblins have been in Kingdom since the day rice was first planted in the rich soil. No one knows where they came from. Goblins do not like to answer questions! Sometimes they are kind and friendly, but some have haunted and harassed people so that they have driven, even, the strongest of men from their homes.  They can be good and they can be bad. I heard a broomstick stained with human blood can turn into a goblin. Have you heard that?

They say you should buy land if you make money after befriending a goblin. Nothing else will do. If you want to get rid of a goblin, I tell you: Horse blood's the thing! Folks say, 'Paint your house with horse blood, and you'll be rid of them.' Some say they put poles in four corners, the goblins dig it up and take it with them.

--A shaman's chant welcoming the House God
GINSENG [Longevity]
Ginseng is the herb of Life. The Rats jealously guards this prized herb. He hoards the mountain ginseng his followers find. Brave warriors have to go deep into the earth to search for minions of the Rat King, even so, the herb is very rare.