Name That Tune

Amazing the power of suggestion that music has on a listening ear. This has become so apparent here as sounds mean different things in differing places.

Tell me...if you hear a somewhat tinny but happy tune drifting in from the direction of the street, what is your first thought? I think for most it would evoke happy childhood memories. Hot summers, no school and nothing to do but play the day away. A sudden urge to run down to the street in hopes of meeting the ice cream truck would play through your mind. Your taste buds would begin to crave rocket pops, fudgesicles and creamsicles. Or maybe if you were lucky enough to grow up in a small town like Ridgecrest, CA, memories of ice cold lemonade or Reese's peanut butter cup ice cream from the John's Pizza Parlor cart would play a prominent role.

Here in China the scene is quite different. The music is not calling the children of the neighborhood to spend their allowance on sugary sweets, but instead is a warning. The mere sound sends pedestrians scrambling, bicyclists pedaling with a furry and motorists reaching for the handle to roll up windows. In China, the music comes from the road washing truck. As it moves down the street two jets of water, one on each side, gushes from the truck onto the street and completely cleanses away any debris in a magnificent deluge. Those who fail to heed its warning are sure to be soaked head to toe with fire hose strength force. Best to run away and not towards this music.

Another prominent tune is "Jingle Bells." I'm sure for most Americans the tune would hearken the mind to the Christmas holiday. Carolers on a cold night. Maybe eggnog and Christmas cookies next to the tree. In the end, though, most would agree that the song would only be associated with the holidays.

Yet for millions of Chinese the song is not related with holidays of any kind. In fact, "Jingle Bells" is an everyday tune, one they hear weekly if not daily. For you see "Jingle Bells" is the tune that their washing machine sings every time the load is finished. No buzzer or bells but the very distinct sound of "Jingle Bells." The only thought that runs through their minds when hearing the sound is that of fetching the clothes and hanging them up to dry. Makes you wonder what they must think if they come to the States during the holidays.

Different places, different uses.