One warm, golden morning in a quiet countryside village, little Lala the monkey woke up feeling extra hungry. The sun shone gently through the trees, and the birds chirped cheerfully. As she stretched and rubbed her sleepy eyes, Lala remembered that it was a special day. Today was the day of the Fruit Offering Ceremony, a tradition passed down through many generations in her village.
Lala’s adoptive family, led by Farmer Cutis, had always taught her to respect traditions and honor the ancestors. Though she was a curious and playful monkey, she also had a kind heart and good manners. She knew today was not just about getting fruit to eat — it was about showing gratitude to those who had come before.
After washing her face with water from the stream and neatly brushing her little fur, Lala put on her tiny traditional scarf, just like the villagers wore. With her tail swaying behind her, she carefully climbed down from the treehouse and trotted over to the ancestral altar set up under the big mango tree in the village square.
The altar was beautifully decorated with flowers, incense, candles, and plates of fresh fruit: bananas, mangoes, jackfruit, and dragon fruit. Lala’s eyes sparkled at the sight, but she remembered Farmer Cutis’s gentle voice: “Always ask with respect, Lala. The ancestors are wise and kind, but we must speak to them politely.”
So, Lala sat down cross-legged in front of the altar, placed her tiny hands together in a respectful gesture, and bowed three times. Then, in a soft, sweet voice, she said, “Dear ancestors, thank you for the fruits you have blessed us with. May I please have a banana? I promise to share it and always be kind.”
The villagers, who had quietly gathered to watch, smiled warmly at Lala’s politeness. Even the elder villagers nodded in approval, whispering to each other about how well she had been raised.
A gentle breeze blew, rustling the leaves and causing one ripe banana to fall softly from the tree above. It landed right in front of Lala! Her eyes widened in surprise, but she remembered to bow again before picking it up. She then held it high with both hands and joyfully exclaimed, “Thank you, dear ancestors!”
But Lala didn’t gobble it up right away. Instead, she broke the banana into small pieces and gave some to the village children and even offered a bit to a passing bird. Everyone clapped and cheered, not just because Lala got the fruit she wanted, but because she had done it with such humility, patience, and generosity.
From that day on, Lala became known as the little monkey with a big heart — always respectful, always thankful, and always ready to share. The elders said it was the most beautiful Fruit Offering Ceremony they had seen in years.
And every time the wind rustled the trees, villagers believed the ancestors were smiling down at Lala — proud of her kind and respectful soul.
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