Tikki Tikki Tembo

Tikki Tikki Tembo is a Chinese folktale about why Chinese names today are so short. The story takes place in ancient China, where traditionally, first born sons have very long and elaborate names to show respect. Second born sons generally had short names that were not important. In this particular story, the first born son is named Tikki Tikki Tembo No Sa Rembo Chari Bari Ruchi Pip Peri Pembo, which means "The most wonderful thing in the whole wide world. The second born son is named Chang, which means "Little."

Throughout the story, Tikki Tikki Tembo No Sa Rembo Chari Bari Ruchi Pip Peri Pembo is always referred to by his full name to emphasize that everyone is required to say the full name, never using any nicknames (Interestingly, the title of this book is a shortened version of his name). One day, Tikki Tikki Tembo No Sa Rembo Chari Bari Ruchi Pip Peri Pembo and Chang were by the well, when Chang fell in. In a hurry, Tikki Tikki Tembo No Sa Rembo Chari Bari Ruchi Pip Peri Pembo ran to tell his mother what happened. Chang was saved in time, and life went on. A little while later, the brothers were by the well again when Tikki Tikki Tembo No Sa Rembo Chari Bari Ruchi Pip Peri Pembo fell in. Chang ran to tell his mother but he was so out of breath, he could not say Tikki Tikki Tembo No Sa Rembo Chari Bari Ruchi Pip Peri Pembo's full name. His mother didn't want to dishonor him, so she made Chang say it again more respectfully. By the time he had finally gotten help, Tikki Tikki Tembo No Sa Rembo Chari Bari Ruchi Pip Peri Pembo had been in the water for too long and died. This is why Chinese names today are condensed.

This myth is entertaining and can be adapted to fit a wide range of children. I remember as a child, loving this book because the long name was so funny to me. As children get older, however, a deeper discussion can take place about the moral of the story, and if they think it is an accurate depiction of Chinese names.