Brief summary, reflection, and lessons learned from "The Betel and the Areca Tree"

 THE BETEL AND THE

ARECA TREE

BRIEF SUMMARY

    The mythology of the Betel and Areca Tree explains why newlywed couples, as well as at ceremonies and anniversaries, chew the betel nut. There was a mandarin named Cao during the reign of Hung Vuong III. He has two handsome sons who looked so much alike that many people mistook them for twins. Tan and Lang, the two boys, were really close. Years later, King Hung Vuong III happened to be in that location, and the rock, tree, and plant, all of which he had never seen before, perplexed him. They mixed up the three and were now renowned to be a symbol of conjugal and fraternal love. To sustain conjugal love, brothers and sisters, especially newlyweds, began chewing betel. The tradition swiftly spread, and many people now chew betel at all gatherings to "keep mutual fondness."

REFLECTION AND LESSONS LEARNED

    This story will surely touch the heart of whoever reads it. Personally, I was moved by the story since I also have a sister who is very close to me like we’re twins. In the story, the love of the two brothers to each other prevails at the end wherein even until their last breath. I have realized that in this world, nothing compares to the love of the family because we will always run back to them if things get rough. Moreover, the story highlights a married life setting wherein the brother has to redirect his priorities in life since he already has a wife. This one is very relevant because if we will relate it to the real setting of married life, we usually see our brothers and sisters leaving our houses and giving a full focus on the family they are building. I myself can’t barely imagine if the time will come that my closest sister will plan to build her own family. I will feel happy for her but at the same time, I’d be in pain because for my entire life, she is my very best friend and I am used to having her as my lifesaver as always. On the other hand, the story can also relate to the Filipino culture wherein the oldest sibling will take care of the huge responsibilities in the family. However, this might be very emotional to me already, I have learned these things:

• Married life will surely change one’s priorities.
• The love of the family is the purest love we can have.
• Conjugal and fraternal love stays and remains forever.