The Magical Starfruit Tree: A Chinese Folktale

This Chinese folktale tells the story of a greedy peddler, a kind-hearted young boy, and an old beggar on a hot day. In spite of the heat and the old man's apparent thirst, the miserly peddler refuses to give him a juicy starfruit. Although he has little, a boy offers to buy a piece of fruit for the old man. The beggar gratefully accepts and eats the fruit, saving only one seed. Calling for someone to bring him a pot of hot water, he plants the seed. The old man uses his magic to make the seed grow, blossom, and bear fruit, all before the eyes of the bewildered crowd. In the end there is enough for everyone, the peddler is chastised for his greedy ways, and the boy is rewarded for his generosity. This story teaches children the virtue of sharing and introduces the concept of respect for the elderly, which are cornerstones of Chinese philosophy.