The ancient Japanese believed the gods endowed the earth and sea
with healing powers. One folk tale tells the story of a fisherman who sets out to
sea to find two special gifts for his ailing wife. Upon his return, he gives her the
water from the deepest part of the sea and a delicate, fresh flower.
She drinks a mixture of the ground petals, water and almost instantly,
her frail body is rejuvenated and her cheeks glow with radiance.
