Why are buckwheat stems red?

Iwanami Publishing

Once upon a time, long, long ago, in the days when grass and trees still spoke, this story took place. It was a cold winter's day. By a great river, a buckwheat plant and a reed were talking together. Then an old man came toward them, leaning on a staff. When he reached them, he stopped and said: "Where is the bridge across this river? Please, tell me. I have been looking for it for some time, but I cannot find it."

Soon the river water rose up around the buckwheat. Time and again it seemed she would fall. Her legs were trembling. Yet she tried to hold on — so that the old man would not get wet. Higher and higher she lifted the river above herself, straining with all her might. And at last she reached the other bank. When she came to where there were no more stones, she carefully set the old man down on the ground.

"Well now, you are truly a praiseworthy young one. I will hide nothing from you — I am the one who gave you your body. I am the one who walks the world in winter and summer, watching how everyone fares. You are a young one who does not fear the winter cold. Perhaps you have done me a kindness. And so from now on I shall let you grow beautifully and swiftly under the summer sun." But the disagreeable, cold-fearing wheat must go on enduring the winter chill. When the old man had finished speaking, he took up his staff once more and went on his way.