Albert Herdianto Widjojo
More than ten years ago, sister-in-law’s of my elder sister-in-law gave me an antique decoration in the form of a load-carrying elephant. The form of the replica itself is familiar to me because I often see it in larger and colorful sizes, but I also know that all are generally a new stuff made by a district in a province in Eastern Indonesia.
I have no idea why she gave me this replica of the elephant even though our familial relationship is really far away. Well, probably just because of my closeness to the elder sister-in-law family.
A few weeks later after giving me the replica, she was severely ill for several weeks until she passed away. During the few visits to her in the hospital, I felt very close to her. At our last conversation a few days before she passed away, she told me in a low voice that as long as she knew me, my attitude was often seen as an elephant. Until now, I don’t really understand what she meant by that although I then find out some things about elephants.
Hindu mythology has illustrated that elephants symbolize an ever-increasing and unlimited knowledge. In addition, the elephant is also synonymous with the symbol of change. One example is the Ganesha statue always holds the book, the holy water at the front, while the hand on the back always holds the ax, meaning to destroy the past. So my temporary conclusion is that elephants tell us that people who want to change must have a clean heart first.
Right now, I attach a small piece of glass over it and use it as an ornamental table in the TV room to put a few cups of drinks while watching television.
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Interesting post and beautiful design! I’ve always loved elephants and decorations shaped after them.
Thanks for the love, Ellie
A nice gift or memory … the idea for the table is cool
Yes it is, Vidocka. Thank you very much
Usually a white elephant is a bad thing…
Hahaha… Really? What about Thailand?
Are they lucky in Thailand? I am speaking the white elephant gift
All right, I’ll listen to all the reasons, either scientific, superstitious, mythical, or whatever…
The term white elephant refers to an extravagant but burdensome gift that cannot be easily disposed of, based on the legend of the King of Siam giving rare albino elephants to courtiers who had displeased him, that they might be ruined by the animals’ upkeep costs.
Oohhh, I see… You have referred to the legend… Yayaya… I agree with that… A good tactic.
That elevates devious to a whole new level
In which context of the discussion?
Giving a gift to someone who can’t refuse it; a gift which will ruin them. It’s like Sun Tzu and Machiavelli had a kid…
Yes, you are right about that and about them both. They are strategists and politicians who have certain thoughts and interests that concern certain interests.
It is no wonder they can make the populace dance to their sinister tune
Thanks for reminding me of the elephants. I have two souvenirs. I will give them a snapshot. It’s good when people who love us give us such great gifts.
A gift or souvenir from anyone would be valuable, and more valuable if the giver is the one who is important to us. Thank you, Elenka
She was as wise as you.
Auff… I feel very honored by your flattering splash, my brother.
What a beautiful gift you received. I know elephants are very intelligent as well.
That means you think I’m intelligent as well, Carol. Is it true?
Hahaha…
Absolutely you are very intelligent.
I certainly will not be able to sleep for 7 days 7 nights because of this praise!
I like those colossal elephants as a decoration, but as a coffee table- it looks even better 🙂
With a small rectangle on the back, we can not put anything on it, then the idea is to give a wider transparent space to put something there.
And that idea was extremely good 🙂
Thank you very much, Cat Mother
You’re welcome 🙂 So, it was your idea 😉