This is a very old Japanese legend that was told to me by my father, when we happened upon a Bleeding Heart flowerbush once, and today I will tell it to you. The really amazing thing about it is that the entire story, as happens in Japanese legends occasionally, can be illustrated in actual physical things—in this case, the anatomy of a flower.
There once was a young man who fell dearly in love with a beautiful and wealthy maiden. He made her lavish gifts to try to win her love. Firstly, he gave her a pair of the most luxorious rabbits to keep as pets.
These she took happily, but declared she could not love him. Still, he can’t bear to give up hope, and he makes her another gift of slippers made of the finest silk.
She also recieved these gifts, but told the young man her feelings would never change towards him. Desperate, he spends the rest of his small savings to send her the most beautiful pair of earrings he could purchase.
The maiden took the earrings, but still refused to marry the young man. Torn, and bereft, the young man knew finally that he had no more to give, and so he took his knife and pierced himself through the heart.
The first Bleeding Heart plant sprung from the place where he died.
Oh I was enchanted when my father told me this story, delicately taking the flower apart to show me the various parts of the legend. Never before have I seen science and fairy tales so closely intertwined. I can see why the story appealed to my father, who loves plants and has always seemed very well-versed in his own culture’s mythology, and it appeals to me for similar reasons. It is very indicative of the Japanese way of looking at things, close study combined with flightful imagination, building into a tragic romance. This is the newest addition to the small store of Japanese legends that I know myself, and I do believe that it is my very favorite.
Flower-part images courtesy of More Friends and a Blog.
Isabelle
Lisa Asanuma
thephoneix
August 27th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
That is so beautiful. I have never heard that story, but I agree, to see science and fairytale intertwine to create such touching imagery… wow.I’m left awed. I’d love to learn more about Japanese legends! I have never had the opportunity to research it.
August 31st, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Isn’t it beautiful? I love Japanese legends, even though the nicest ones are almost always sad!
September 1st, 2009 at 12:45 pm
That IS beautiful. I have a few of those plants around my house. I used to call them “Bloody Hearts” when I was a kid.haha
I’m going to be sharing this story. I’m so struck by the images and how people find the most beautiful things.
September 8th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
I’m so glad you liked it, Bridget! Sorry I missed your comment earlier. I really love this story, though!
April 30th, 2010 at 10:49 am
This is a pretty flower. It is one of my favorites.
May 5th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
I found this story very touching indeed. Isn’t it amazing how nature and science can be so very closely related, but yet so far apart in the world today? I know that I now must have some of these plants in my home.
March 14th, 2012 at 11:24 pm
beautiful heart touching legend..
what is the actual word for this flower in Japanese and how shall we pronounce it????
March 15th, 2012 at 10:45 am
A Google search says that it s “kemansou.” That would be pronounced “kay – mahn – soo”
March 15th, 2012 at 2:01 pm
Thanks Alot for helping me out.
April 15th, 2012 at 5:06 pm
I use to hear the story of the bleeding heart flower when I was a young girl, many many years ago, and the final item was a candle, but I don’t remember how it fit into the story. I love this spring time when they are in bloom and I can once again share the story with my grandchildren:)
April 16th, 2012 at 12:01 am
A candle sounds more romantic, though the suicide dagger is much more Japanese! haha I’m excited you’re sharing the story with your grandchildren.
April 24th, 2012 at 5:10 am
[...] most common folklore behind the bleeding heart is, of course, a tale of unrequited love. Here is one lovely variation of the story of the bleeding heart, told with parts of the flower [...]