Thursday, April 11, 2019

J is for Jujube Friendship (A to Z Challenge 2019: Fruit Folktales)

Jujube is a date-like edible fruit that grows on a small tree or shrub. The story I found about it comes from the Hui people, an ethnic minority in northwestern China who are predominantly Muslim.

According to the story, back in the day when the Prophet Muhammad was persecuted by non-Muslims, he fled from a violent attacker into the desert. Eventually, tired of running and dodging attacks, he stopped and sat down on a pile of dirt to take a breath. Soon, the pagan chief caught up to him, but didn't recognize him, so he asked if he had seen a man fleeing. Muhammad pointed him towards the southeast.

While the chief was also taking a breath, Muhammad decided to eat something. Taking a piece of cotton from his clothing, he planted it in the dirt. In front of the chief's amazed eyes, a jujube plant sprouted from the ground immediately, blossomed, and produced two jujube fruits. Muhammad kindly gave one of them to his enemy. The pagan chief admitted that he was a man of great power, worthy of following. After they ate the dates, Muhammad revealed his identity, telling the chief to kill him if he wished. The chief, humbled by his power and kindness, swore to follow him, and converted to Islam with all his people.

Ever since then, claims the story from Ningxia, jujube dates have been precious to Muslims, and their kernels are used to make payer beads.

(You can read the story in this book.)

Have you ever tried jujube? Did you like it?
If you could grow one fruit tree out of the ground immediately, what would it be?


15 comments:

  1. I’vednever Heard of this as a fruit, I always thought it was a type of sweet! Nice to learn something new. 🙂

    I think I’d be pleased to grow an orange or grapefruit tree. I’m fond of both those fruits, and you can always juice them if you aren’t ready to eat.

    J Is For Catherine Jinks!

    https://suebursztynski.blogspot.com/2019/04/atoz-challenge-j-is-for-catherine-jinks.html

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  2. Interesting. I came to know it today only. Today my blog had 126 page views so far which I consider as a good first day performance.
    Industrial Engineering and Operations Management - Distinction and Combination

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  3. I have never tasted a jujube. I would plant a peach tree.

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  4. Wow, I never even knew about a jujube!
    And I don't think I'd want to plant anything. I don't have a green thumb plus I'm scared of bugs and I just can't deal with gardening because of that! Hahaha!
    ~ Saraallie
    Sara Writes ~ The Crazy Life of a Silly Little Sister

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  5. I heard about this fruit, but never knew the story behind it. Your stories are really interesting. I am bookmarking your site to read them to my kid.

    https://shravmusings.com/2019/04/jatayu-big-and-friendly-bird-in-indian-mythology/

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  6. I must admit I've never heard of the jujube fruit and if I was planting a fruit tree I don't think it would be one of those! A pear tree for me.

    My A-Z of Children's Stories

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  7. Wow, that is a really interesting and powerful story. There's so much history associated with the things we eat, and most of us never even realize.

    https://planetpailly.com/2019/04/11/sciency-words-a-to-z-juice/

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  8. I've never tasted jujube, either, but I like the story. What a clever and kind way for Muhammad to deal with his attacker.
    Black and White: J is for Jubjub

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  9. i never even heard of JUJUBE before. Interesting! i think though i'd want a peach tree to spring up right now. Yum :)

    Joy at The Joyous Living

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  10. Beautiful fruit! I have never heard of it, but I love the story too! If I would be able to act like Muhammad, I would plant a cherry tree ;)

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  11. I thought jujubes were the candy! I would like an immediate peach tree! Oh... Frederique has me wanting a cherry too.
    Interesting story. Instantly reminded me of the story of Jonah and the bottle gourd.

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  12. I love this tale and learning of a new-to-me fruit. I think I'd like an instantaneous fig tree. Yum!

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  13. I'm going with the peach tree fans... altho' I've never had a jujube, so I'm willing to be proved hasty in my decision...

    Happy A-Z'ing.

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  14. Good to learn about a jujube. Fascinating piece of folklore.

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  15. I've heard of the fruit, but I haven't tried it. Avocado trees :-) (Yup, they're a fruit!)

    Ronel visiting from the A-Z Challenge with Music and Writing: Great Music and Lyrics

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