This item depicted belonged to my beloved grandmother. A part of my heritage.
It is a part of a series called the “World Life Found.” and I recollect them clearly from my childhood as it was yesterday in 1976. A very different World.
Since I am still the “eldest”, I got to choose first, there was no hesitation on my part whatsoever. Why? Well my two favourite land living animals are hedgehogs and wolverines. And polar bears, so that makes three. I really like polar bears. They are fierce and majestic and they will be extinct soon.
Of course I like the big cats and all the other animals too. But my favourites? I did just tell you.
I have not seen a hedgehog in many years. I used to see them frequently here in semi-town, ie. where I live. Now? They’re gone. Actually, I used to see all kind of animals. Deer (rådjur), hares, I actually don’t even see any rats longer (well… not the small ones.).
Almost all of the birds are gone, no bees, bumblebees or butterflies? Maybe a fly or two. Not even flies?
When did you last see a butterfly? Honestly? How many bees, bumblebees or butterflies did you so this summer (2017)? The birds, small ones the swallows? They’re all gone. It makes me really afraid.
I do miss the hedgehogs. They make the most amusing and loud noise when angry (it is a small animal, the smaller the greater noise?).
They lack habitat and food? No habitat = destruction. Darwin said so. And somehow the principle doesn’t apply to humans? How can that be? Decide quickly. “Natural selection”, think about it. The hedgehogs are gone.
* Little sister chose the frog (“lövgroda”, I do believe.). A very symbolic creature in Japanese culture I might add. She might know or not know that, I haven’t asked her.
As far as I know the sign for “Kaeru” are the same for “frog” and “to return” in Japanese.
Why would I know that? Well, aunt once gave me one as a gift, a minuature porcelain frog (it is still sitting in my window ail) explaining that precise thing; “Kaeru”.