Long ago, there lived an old couple, lonely couple. Although they had the largest barn in town and all the rice to share, they were unhappy, for their home had never heard the laughter of children.
The old woman prayed and prayed for a child, "even if it it not very good looking." Days and weeks went on, and she eventually forgot her prayers. Before long, she had a little baby boy they called Juan.
The neighbors eventually called him "All Head Juan," for all they heard night and day were his cries. Days and weeks went on, but no part of Juan grew except his head. Much to the neighbors' dismay, as Juan's head grew, so did his cries. His cries became so strong and loud that eventually, the king could hear it, too.
The king soon grew tired of the crying and ordered for Juan's death. The couple pleaded with the king, but he did not relent. With the king's orders, they complied.
The king ordered for Juan to be buried far away from town, in case his cries could be heard even in death. So, the couple trekked out of town, carrying Juan's casket.
During the journey, they met a stranger. He asked what was wrong. The couple told him the story of their beloved Juan and his demise. The stranger handed them a seed. He told the couple to plant the seed on Juan's grave, and go home without turning back. Only when they arrive at home could they look toward Juan's grave.
And so, the couple did as they were told. They planted the seed on Juan's grave and walked all the way home without turning back. When they finally turned around, they saw a little vine that stretched to Juan's grave.
The vine stretched across the yard, up the house, and over the roof. Once the vine stopped growing, it began blooming. The blooms soon turned into a fruit - a fruit that grew and grew until it was the shape of Juan's head!
Thus, the squash was born!
A quick retelling by Shilyn Montgomery