DescriptionGriffis retells a tale that mothers and nurses in New Brunswick, New Jersey would tell their children to make them behave. He relates the story of the invading Hessians and the lasting Hessian flies to the Korean mothers who tell their children of the cruel memory of the Japanese army led by general Kato. The memory of Kato’s war-time deeds is deeply connected to the circular crest on the Japanese armor. This sigil, deeply ingrained in the Korean memory, will be evoked by Korean mothers with a circular motion of her fingers in order to keep her children in line.
NoteThis project was assisted by a grant from the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation, Seoul, Korea.
Name: Inventory to the William Elliot Griffis Collection (East Asia), 1859-1928
Detail: The items in this record are part of the William Elliot Griffis Collection. A finding aid with information about the contents of the collection is available online.
CollectionKorea letters and manuscripts in the William Elliot Griffis collection
Organization NameRutgers University. Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives
RightsThe organization that has made the Item available reasonably believes that the Item is not restricted by copyright or related rights, but a conclusive determination could not be made. Please refer to the organization that has made the Item available for more information. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use.