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Our Little Korean Cousin By: Henry Lee Mitchell Pike (1865-) |
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By H. Lee M. Pike Illustrated by L.J. Bridgman
Preface
Until very recently little has been known of the strange land in which
the subject of this tale lives. Recent events have done much to
introduce Korea and its people to the world at large. For this reason
the story of Yung Pak's youthful days may be the more interesting to his
Western cousins. These are stirring times in Korea, and it may safely be prophesied that
the little Koreans of the present day will occupy a larger place in the
world's history than have their fathers and grandfathers. Their bright
eyes are now turned toward the light, and, under the uplifting
influences of education and civilization, the old superstitions and
antique customs are bound to give way. Some famous Americans and Englishmen have had no small part in letting
in the light upon this dark nation, and in years to come, when Korea
shall have attained to the full stature of national strength, the names
of Rodgers, Blake, Kimberly, and many others will be held in high esteem
by the people of that country. This little volume gives just a glimpse into the mode of life, the
habits and customs, the traditions and superstitions, of the Koreans. If
it awakens an interest in the minds of its young readers, and inspires
them with a desire for further knowledge of their cousins in this far
Eastern land, its purpose will be well served.
Contents
CHAPTER I. SOME QUEER THINGS
II. YUNG PAK'S HOME
III. A GLIMPSE OF THE KING
IV. YUNG PAK AT SCHOOL
V. A LESSON IN HISTORY
VI. THE MONK'S STORY
VII. A JOURNEY
VIII. THE MONASTERY AT CHANG AN SA
IX. A FULL FLEDGED TOP KNOT
List of Illustrations YUNG PAK A STREET IN SEOUL
"ALL THE BOYS SIT UPON THE FLOOR"
"HE MUST DROP TO HIS KNEES AND MAKE A PROFOUND SALUTE"
"ON THE UPPER PART OF EACH OF THESE POSTS WAS A RUDE CARVING"
"THE DAY WAS PASSED IN MUCH THE SAME MANNER AS THE PRECEDING ONE"
OUR LITTLE KOREAN COUSIN
CHAPTER I.
SOME QUEER THINGS Yung Pak was the very queer name of a queer little boy who lived in a
queer house in a queer city. This boy was peculiar in his looks, his
talk was in a strange tongue, his clothes were odd in colour and fit,
his shoes were unlike ours, and everything about him would seem to you
very unusual in appearance. But the most wonderful thing of all was that
he did not think he was a bit queer, and if he should see one of you in
your home, or at school, or at play, he would open wide his slant eyes
with wonder at your peculiar ways and dress. The name of the country in
which this little boy lived is Korea. One thing about Yung Pak, though, was just like little boys everywhere.
When he first came to his home in the Korean city, a little bit of a
baby, his father and mother were very, very glad to see him. Your father
and mother gave you no warmer welcome than the parents of this little
Korean baby gave to him. Perhaps Yung Pak's father did not say much, but any one could have seen
by his face that he was tremendously pleased. He was a very dignified
man, and his manner was nearly always calm, no matter how stirred up he
might have felt in his mind. This was one of the rare occasions when his
face expanded into a smile, and he immediately made a generous offering
of rice to the household tablets. All Koreans pay great honour to their dead parents, and tablets to
their memory are placed in some room set apart for the purpose. Before
these tablets sacrifices are offered. Yung Pak's father would have been
almost overwhelmed with terror at thought of having no one to worship
his memory and present offerings before his tablet. It is to be feared that if, instead of Yung Pak, a little daughter had
come to this Korean house, the father and the mother would not have been
so pleased. For, strange as it may seem to you who live in homes where
little daughters and little sisters are petted and loved above all the
rest of the family, in Korea little girls do not receive a warm welcome,
though the mothers will cherish and fondle them as much from pity as
from love... Continue reading book >>
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