The Mouse's Wedding

by Unknown

"The Mouse's Wedding" by Unknown is a Japanese fairy tale written during the late 19th to early 20th century. This book can be categorized as a children's story that illustrates cultural customs around marriage and familial harmony. The tale likely encapsulates themes of love, duty, and tradition as expressed through the wedding of two mice. The story centers around a white mouse named Kanemochi and his wife, Onaga, who seek a bride for their gentle son, Fukutaro. They successfully arrange a marriage with a lovely mouse named Hatsuka, and much care is taken on both sides to prepare for the union, including traditional customs such as the exchange of gifts and the ceremonial drinking of sake. The wedding day is meticulously organized, culminating in the bride's arrival and the joyful marriage ceremony. Following their union, the couple lives harmoniously with Kanemochi's family, embodying the values of contentment and good fortune within their domestic life. The fairy tale serves as a charming reflection of marriage customs and the importance of family in Japanese culture.