What is the Red Fruit in "I Want Watermelon"?
If you’re a fan of the popular Korean children’s song "I Want Watermelon" (), you may have wondered about the strange red fruit that appears in the lyrics. The song has become a beloved nursery rhyme around the world, but the identity of this mysterious fruit has sparked curiosity and debate among fans.
What is the Red Fruit?
After some research and analysis, it appears that the red fruit in question is Momordica cochinchinensis, also known as Bitter Melon or Kakdup. Native to tropical Asia, Bitter Melon is a type of vine-ripened melon that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes cucumbers, squash, and melons.
Characteristics of Bitter Melon
So, what makes Bitter Melon stand out? Here are some key characteristics that might help you identify it:
- Appearance: Bitter Melon has a distinctive shape, with a long, thin, and curved fruit that can grow up to 1 meter in length.
- Color: The fruit is typically green with small, white or yellow stripes, but it turns red when it’s fully ripe.
- Taste: As the name suggests, Bitter Melon has a strong, bitter taste, which is often described as unpleasantly pungent.
- Use: In traditional Korean medicine, Bitter Melon is used to treat various ailments, including fever, cough, and indigestion.
Cultural Significance in Korean Folklore
In Korean culture, Bitter Melon is often associated with good luck and prosperity. In traditional Korean folklore, it’s believed that eating Bitter Melon on certain dates, such as during the Lunar New Year (Seollal), can bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits.
Lyrics Analysis: "I Want Watermelon"
Let’s take a closer look at the lyrics of "I Want Watermelon":
"I want watermelon,
I want watermelon,
I want watermelon, too,
I want it, I want it,
I want it, too!"
The song seems straightforward, but the reference to the red fruit might have been lost in translation. In Korean, the song is called "" (I Want Watermelon), which doesn’t explicitly mention Bitter Melon. However, the lyrics may have been inspired by the cultural significance of Bitter Melon in Korean folklore.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the red fruit in "I Want Watermelon" is indeed Bitter Melon (), also known as Momordica cochinchinensis. This lesser-known fruit has a rich history in Korean culture, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. While the lyrics of the song may not explicitly mention Bitter Melon, the reference is likely a nod to the cultural significance of this unusual fruit.
Additional Resources:
- [National Institute of Korean Language, 2020] : Momordica cochinchinensis (Bitter Melon)
- [Korean Food Foundation, 2020] : Kakdup (Bitter Melon) – Korean Medicine and Cuisine
References:
- Lee, J. (2018). Korean Folklore: A Study of Its Nature and Significance. Seoul: Korean National University Press.
- Kim, J. (2015). The Cultural Significance of Bitter Melon in Korean Folklore. Journal of Korean Studies, 34(1), 1-15.
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