The Watermelon: A Wonderful Fruit, Part 2 of 2

The watermelon, whose history goes back 5,000 years, has journeyed across many countries and continents, from Africa to Asia, Europe, and North America. A folklore from Vietnam, also known as Âu Lạc, describes the watermelon’s origin. Today, we would like to share this story as told by our Most Beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai in the summer of 2001 during a gathering with our Association members in Florida, USA.

“‘Excuse me, Your Majesty, but even your wealth and your power are also given to you by God. We are all indebted to God only.’ ‘Now you and your wife shall be exiled to a remote, deserted island. Let’s see how that God of yours will keep you alive.’ ‘I think they are right. God is the only Provider. What would I do without God? I want them to come back.’ And since then, we have a lot, a lot, a lot of these watermelons, and every time we eat them, we’re thinking of God. And that's the way we should do when we eat watermelons.”

Now we will take a look at some of the healing and health benefits of watermelons. Apart from keeping us cool and hydrated on hot days, the red color of the watermelon’s flesh comes from the pigment lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps to decrease the risk of cancer, heart disease, and age-related eye disorders. Watermelons also contain Vitamin A to promote the health of the skin and eyes, Vitamin B6 to support the immune and nervous systems, and Vitamin C to strengthen the immune system. Lycopene contains the amino acid citrulline, which helps to lower blood pressure. The tiny watermelon seeds are treasures.

The watermelon has long been a popular food item for summer family gatherings, parties, and social events. People have come up with entertaining activities involving watermelons! Every year during the warm months of July and August, watermelon festivals are held in Australia, Britain, Canada, the United States, and other parts of the world. Watermelon contests are much welcomed by their enthusiasts every year. And games are popular too. Watermelon Roll Relay is a fun one, where two teams compete. Then of course, there’s the watermelon eating contest. Finally, we have the watermelon seed-spitting contest.