Sunday, March 21, 2010

Mandrain Duck 鴛鴦戲水

The Mandarin Duck originated in China but can be found almost anywhere there is a suitable habitat. The male duck is the most beautiful of all ducks, however, the female are less colourful.
The population of this species of duck is decline very day due to deforesting, and destruction of forest habitat. It is believe there is less than 1000 pairs. Sadly, this beautiful Mandarin Duck is still not under the protection Act in most countries, including China.
In the oriental world it is a symbol of conjugal affection and fidelity. The Mandarin Duck symbol is used in Chinese weddings, because in traditional Chinese lore they symbolize wedded bliss and fidelity.

Unlike other species of ducks, most Mandarin drakes reunite with the female duck they mated with along with their offsprings after the eggs have hatched and even share scout duties in watching the ducklings closely.
The Mandarin Duck mate for life. When they find a partner, they will stick with that same partner for the rest of their lives. It is said that if they are ever separated, they will pine for each other and will soon die of loneliness.
A eastern folk tale had been popularized in English by Katherine Paterson.

A folk tale described this everlasting bond between mandarin ducks. This folktale begins with a feudal lord capturing a mandarin duck for its beautiful plumage. The duck, separated from its mate, is utterly miserable and slowly starts to die of loneliness.
The lord's servant maid and her lover see the true love and loyalty between the mandarin ducks, and decide to reunite the ducks against their lord's wishes. The lord, angered by this disobedience, condemns the two lovers to death. Thus begins a story of love and loyalty.

Today (March 21, 2010) is the wedding day of Mr. Leon L, who is one of our local fountain pen user. We would like to take this opportunity to congratelute the newly wed couple, and pray to my heavenly Father that He will filled their hearts with love and happiness, always be kind to one another, tenderhearted forgiving and always careing. Amen.

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