Daughter-in-Law's Fart
Is Holding It In Always the Best Answer?
As we go through life, we often suppress our true selves or hide our flaws just to fit in. This is especially true when adapting to new environments or meeting new people. The classic Korean folktale, "The Farting Daughter-in-Law," approaches the struggle of "holding it in" and the importance of communication in a hilariously refreshing way.
Beyond just being a funny bedtime story, it carries a deeply empathetic message that resonates with us even in the modern world. Let's dive into this delightful tale!
1. The Beautiful Daughter-in-Law Losing Her Glow
Once upon a time, a kind-hearted and beautiful young woman married into a new family. She was incredibly hardworking and polite, quickly earning the deep love of her parents-in-law. However, as the months passed, the daughter-in-law's rosy, peach-like cheeks began to turn a sickly yellow. She lost her appetite, and her body grew weaker by the day.
Worried about her declining health, her father-in-law carefully asked:
"My dear, are you ill? Why is your face losing its beautiful color?"
The daughter-in-law hesitated for a long time. Finally, blushing deeply, she whispered in a tiny voice: "Father... the truth is, I have grown sick because I have been holding in my farts."
The father-in-law burst into laughter and brushed it off. "Nonsense! Making yourself sick over a fart? Let it out nicely and loudly! Who would ever scold you for that?"
2. The Earth-Shattering Blast
Given permission, the color immediately returned to the daughter-in-law's face. However, with a dead-serious expression, she gave her family a strict warning:
"Father, Mother. When I am about to fart, please hold tightly onto the heavy iron cauldron. And my dear husband, you must hug the wooden pillar of the house as tightly as you can."
The family was confused but did as they were told. Finally, the daughter-in-law lifted her skirt slightly and released the fart she had been holding in for months.
"WHOOOOSH— BOOM— CRASH!"
The sound was like a massive thunderclap! A hurricane-force wind erupted, sending the household furniture flying through the air. The husband, clinging to the pillar, found his feet dangling off the ground. The parents-in-law, gripping the cauldron, were blown right out of the kitchen and tumbled into the yard. The house was left in absolute chaos.
3. Kicked Out, But Finding an Unexpected Opportunity
Shocked out of his wits, the father-in-law decided that no matter how sweet and pretty she was, the house wouldn't survive her. He decided to send her back to her parents' house. Wiping away her tears, the daughter-in-law followed him down the mountain path.
As they were crossing a ridge, the father-in-law stopped beneath a massive pear tree. It was loaded with plump, juicy pears, and he desperately wanted one to quench his thirst. However, the tree was far too tall to climb. A group of passing merchants was also trying to knock the pears down, but to no avail.
Watching this, the daughter-in-law stepped forward cautiously. "Father, I will get those pears down for you."
She turned her back to the tree, took aim, and unleashed her mighty power once again.
"PPOOOOOONG—!"
The powerful gust of wind struck the top of the tree, and the heavy, sweet pears rained down like a shower. Thanks to her, the father-in-law and the merchants enjoyed a delicious feast without lifting a finger. The merchants were so grateful that they rewarded the daughter-in-law with rolls of expensive silk and plenty of silver.
4. When a Weakness Becomes the Greatest Strength
Seeing this, the father-in-law slapped his knee in realization. "I thought my daughter-in-law's fart was a curse that would ruin our family, but it is actually a blessing that brings us fortune!"
He immediately turned around and brought her back home. From that day on, the daughter-in-law was allowed to fart freely, fully regaining her health. Whenever the family needed a powerful gust of wind, her special ability came in handy, and they lived happily and prosperously ever after.
💡 A Modern Message of Empathy for Us Today
The story of the "Farting Daughter-in-Law" is more than just a comical tale about flatulence. It offers profound takeaways for our modern lives:
Don't Hide Your True Self We often suppress our genuine emotions or hide our quirks to show only our "best" side to others. But just like the daughter-in-law who grew physically ill from holding it in, repressing who you truly are will ultimately hurt you.
A Shift in Perspective: Flaws Can Be Weapons A trait that almost destroyed a house became the ultimate tool to harvest fruit and earn riches when the situation changed. Your biggest complex, depending on where and how it is used, could become your most unique and powerful strength.
True Communication and Understanding The father-in-law initially tried to cast her out, but once he saw her true value, he fully embraced her. Especially among family and close friends, it is vital to accept and appreciate each other exactly as we are.
Wrapping Up
Are you, by any chance, holding in your own "fart"—your true self, your hidden quirks, or your bold ideas—because you are worried about what others might think? Sometimes, letting it out is the best way to bring peace and comfort to yourself and those around you.
What is your unique "Daughter-in-Law's Fart"? It might look like a flaw to others, but I encourage you to discover the incredible potential hiding behind it today
KoreanFolktale, FartingDaughterInLaw, LifeLessons, Empathy SelfAcceptance, OvercomingInsecurities, BedtimeStories StressRelief, CommunicationSkills, MentalHealth
