Why beans?

Question

Everyone knows the story about the Jack and the beanstalk, where Jack exchanges their cow for some "strange looking beans", which his mother throws out the window. On the next morning they have grown to the sky, Jack climbs and visits an ogre's house, from where he steals magical items, and lives happily.But why beans( not a particular type of beans or peas, just beans). Why not some other plant which grows vines, like pumpkin, grape, cucumber, or a big tree which is far more stabel looking than vines? What the usage of beans as a bridge, connecting the earth and another dimenstion( not heaven!) would mean here?

I'm asking because in Japan there are other fairy tales, where a man climbs bean/gourd/pumpkin/cucumber vines and reaches the sky.Just wanted to make a comparison.Beans are fairy plant, used in purifying rituals and different traditional meals in Japan and China.

Answer 1

First, beans are "seeds". Things, like plants, grow from seeds.

Second, watch a bean stalk sprout and grow. After they stick up and out from the soil, they will, over night, literally "shoot up". They can and do grow very quickly in spurts.

Third, the growth of plants appeared mysterious in its nature to early societies which did not have a good deal of scientific knowledge. One prepared the soil and planted the seeds and then, as if by there own accord or as if by "magic", the seeds would germinate and grow! In many faith systems the same is spoken of as a mystery and attrributed to god or to being understood only by god.

(And they were "magic beans", not "strange looking beans"; Jack meets a "giant", not an "ogre"...)

May it all be well with you.

Answer 2

I don't think Jack would be able to climb a Pumpkin vine. They grow out across the ground.

http://pumpkincam.net/pumpkin/pictures/pics004/115-1554_IMG.JPG/view

He could climb a Bean vine. They grow up things, like trellis or poles.

http://www.floridata.com/ref/P/phas_lun.cfm

(2nd photo down of lima bean vine)

Answer 3

I'd think bean plants were common in the Old World (it is a old story from Europe) because they are a high protein source, unlike grapes. Also there can't be pumpkins due to being native to North America.

Answer 4

Believe it or not, there is a growing belief that the story about Jack and the beanstalk is a myth! At this time it is only a theory. However, it would help explain the unusual elements of the story.

(If this and other classic stories end up being myths, it could also explain why the old woman lived in a shoe!)

Answer 5

If it were grapes then you would ask 'why NOT beans?'

If it were pumpkin then he would have been arrested when he got down for killing people by negligence with windfall pumpkins.

There is no hidden meaning, metaphor or innuendo. Its a story we tell our kids. You think too much

Answer 6

Beans, beans, they're good for your heart... LOL

Maybe it is because bean vines/plants grow very quickly. Ever plant any? It is pretty impressive. :)