Hello, everyone. Welcome to “Korean Folktales.” This Monday corner takes you into the world of interesting Korean folk stories. I’m Jinny Na.

In ancient Korea, sewing was regarded as an essential skill for women. The tradition is well illustrated in a classical story titled “Discourse among the Seven Companions in Ladies’ Room.” The seven companions here refer to seven tools for sewing and the story personalizes them to bring to light the importance of each tool.

Once upon a time, there lived a woman known as Lady Han. In her room, she had seven sewing friends: tall lady Ruler, Mrs. Scissors, young bride Needle, young woman Thread, old lady Thimble, Miss Searing Iron and Mrs. Flatiron.

One day, while Lady Han was taking a nap, the seven sewing tools began to show off their own roles. First, tall lady Ruler proudly said, “Lady Han is so good at sewing because of me. I tell her just how long and how wide the fabric for her shirts or skirts should be.” Before the others could reply, Mr. Scissors jumped in with an objection, moving her two legs fast. “No matter how precisely Ruler may measure the length or width of the fabric, it would be useless if I don’t cut it properly. So, I deserve the praise.” But young bride Needle shook her head in disapproval. She shouted with her sharp mouth. “Both of you are wrong. How can the fabric turn into clothes without me? People call Lady Han an expert with the needle. This phrase shows just how important I am.” On that, young woman Thread’s face turned red with anger. “Needle, you can’t work alone. In other words, you’re worthless without me. Even if you make some contribution, it is actually mine.” Upon hearing that, old lady Thimble laughed loudly. “Listen, I always help Lady Han sew by protecting her finger. She can keep sewing all thanks to me.” Miss Searing Iron cut in on the conversation. “Even if the needlework is done poorly, it can be corrected after I press it. After all, I’m the one who makes the clothes smooth and nice.” Lastly, Mrs. Flatiron opened her large mouth and laughed heartily. “Searing Iron, you only iron the stitched seams but I can iron all types of clothes. Every wrinkle is straightened when my broad buttocks touch it. I’m the most important of all.”

At the moment, Lady Han woke up and sneered at the seven tools. “This is ridiculous. I can make clothes with your help but it is humans who complete all the work. What you’re saying is quite absurd.” With these words, the lady pushed the seven tools aside and fell asleep again.

Now, the seven friends began to complain of their owner’s cold-heartedness and blamed her for attributing all their contributions to her own achievement. Lady Han woke up again and burst into a fit of anger. “Are you daring to talk behind my back?” Old lady Thimble quickly lowered her head modestly and asked her owner’s forgiveness. “Ma’am, they are too young and immature to think deeply. Please consider our small services and forgive us.” Thimble’s apology calmed Lady Han. “You all deserve punishment, but I forgive you because of Thimble. As a matter of fact, I never hurt my finger thanks to Thimble. I’ll make a small silk pouch and put Thimble in it so I can carry her around all the time.” Thimble expressed her gratitude, while the other tools stepped back, feeling ashamed.

That’s it for today’s “Korean Folktales.” Thank you for listening. I’m Jinny Na. Goodbye, everyone.