This
case features a variety of toys and games, including a bird whistle, a set of
nesting Darumas, dice, a monkey ring puzzle, a miniature kite, a pagoda
puzzle, a pata pata or "flip-flop" toy, a bobbing head mouse
eating rice, and a rabbit. Because the mouse is eating rice, it symbolizes good
fortune and wealth, signifying the granaries are full and there is enough rice
to spare for the mice. The rabbit is from a Japanese legend which tells that
the figure seen when looking at the moon is not a "man in the moon,"
but a rabbit pounding rice to make rice dumplings—a special treat at New
Year's.
© 2003 Steve and Katie Kohl