Folklore: The Tears of the Widow
Throughout history, the goji berry has been celebrated as a symbol of vitality, longevity, and healing. Its deep red hue and sweet, earthy taste have been cherished for centuries in traditional medicine, but its legend goes beyond mere nutrition. Passed down through generations, one ancient tale tells of a mother’s love, a son’s devotion, and the miraculous gift of the goji berry.
The Tears of the Widow
Long ago, in the time of the Tang Dynasty, there was a humble widow who lived near a Buddhist monastery. Her husband had passed while serving a noble family, leaving her alone with their only son. Though she had little, she worked tirelessly to provide for him, ensuring he had food, clothing, and the means to study.
One year, a great drought struck the land. Crops withered, wells dried up, and hunger spread like wildfire. The widow, growing weak from starvation, could no longer support her son. Heartbroken but determined, she sent him to the monastery, where she knew the monks would care for him.
Years passed, and the boy grew into a kind and intelligent man, dedicating himself to study and prayer. But when he finally returned home, he found his mother frail, her once-bright eyes clouded with age and exhaustion. Overcome with sorrow, he knelt at her feet, his tears falling onto the dry earth beneath her.
Where his tears touched the ground, a vine began to grow, its slender branches curling around the garden fence. Within days, small, crimson berries appeared—vivid against the pale, brittle leaves of the drought-stricken land. The monks, wise in the ways of healing, recognized the fruit’s potential. They instructed the young man to gather the berries and brew them into a tea for his mother.
With each sip, her strength returned. Her vision sharpened, her skin regained its youthful glow, and life flowed through her like a river after the rains. The village watched in awe, and soon, the vine spread throughout the land, its fruit treasured for its power to restore health and vitality.
From that day forward, the goji berry—known in Chinese as gǒuqǐ—became a symbol of love, longevity, and the bond between parent and child.
