Every culture embraces storytelling, but the way they begin their tales reveals rich traditions and worldviews. While English speakers say 'Once upon a time,' other cultures offer beautifully distinctive openings that invite listeners into captivating journeys.
- Japanese tales start with “Mukashi mukashi,” meaning long ago.
- Basque stories welcome you to a time when all things could talk.
- Polish and Czech tales take you beyond seven mountains or rivers.
What happened
Storytelling is universal, and every culture has its own unique phrase to begin a tale. The English “Once upon a time” signals the start of a fairy tale, but other languages and cultures craft their introductions with distinct nuances. For example, Japanese storytellers say “Mukashi mukashi,” roughly translating to “long, long ago,” setting a familiar stage of distant time and place. Meanwhile, Korean folklore often begins with an amusing and mythical line about tigers smoking tobacco, blending humor and legendary imagery.
Other cultures paint different worlds to welcome their audience. Basque tales use an opening that reflects a magical era when all animals and things could speak, evoking a timeless realm of wonder. Eastern European stories from places like Poland, Czechia, and Slovakia begin by transporting listeners ‘beyond seven mountains’ or rivers, using symbolic geography to create a grand sense of distance and adventure before the story truly unfolds.
Why it feels good
These varied storytelling openings not only indicate the beginning of a tale but also reveal cultural values and imaginative styles. The Japanese preference for a gentle “long ago in a certain place” guides listeners gently into a world of tradition. Korean’s playful mention of tigers and tobacco hints at moments of social equality and whimsy in their history, making the myths relatable and lighthearted.
Similarly, the Basque and Eastern European phrases imbue their stories with a sense of magic and expansiveness. The number seven carries deep symbolic meaning, creating a feeling of a journey to somewhere special and away from the everyday. These openings provide comfort, curiosity, and anticipation — no matter the language, they connect across human experience, emphasizing that stories are about shared imagination and wonder.
What to enjoy or watch next
Next time you settle in for a story, try exploring fairy tales and folklore from other cultures to experience their unique linguistic flavor and cultural richness. Watch for how these beginnings gently guide listeners into different worlds, whether through genealogical chants in Māori tradition or poetic openings in Arabic that dance between reality and imagination.
You might also enjoy videos and books that highlight these storytelling approaches, such as documentaries on traditional folktales or collections of global myths. Engaging with stories from around the world opens up new ways to appreciate the art of storytelling and the beautiful ways cultures invite us to enter a magical place — beyond time, space, and ordinary life.