Games for Kids in China
The first Chinese instruments and calligraphy date back to 7,000 B.C., states Crystalinks. This ancient civilization’s rich musical, artistic, academic and recreational customs have influenced Western culture. Games played by North American children, such as kites, jacks, yo-yo, dominoes, checkers, blind man’s bluff, red rover and many more originated from traditional Chinese games. Children’s games played in China are entertaining for children all over the world.
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Shuttlecock
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Shuttlecock is a traditional game that dates back to at least the third century A.D. It was originally a military training exercise before it became a popular children's game. It is similar to the popular Western game hacky sack. The shuttlecock consists of four chicken feathers attached to a weighted circular disk. The first player throws the shuttlecock up in the air and all participants attempt to keep it from hitting the ground, using their feet and knees. Level 1 consists of only using one foot to control the shuttlecock; Level 2 involves using both feet. A special move, called "Ivory Chopsticks," refers to when a player catches the shuttlecock between two of her fingers.
Chinese Yo-Yo
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A modern day version of the Chinese yo-yo. The Chinese yo-yo originated during the time of the Ming dynasty. The yo-yo looks like an exercise dumbbell and is made of wood, bamboo or plastic. Players position the yo-yo on the middle of a long piece of string that they hold with both hands. As they spin the yo-yo, a vibrating hum is produced. Avid players learn various tricks, starting at basic spins and advancing to bounces or passes to another player's string. Chineseyoyo.org says that it is not only a game of technique, but also a strength-building exercise.
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Catch the Dragon's Tail
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Catch the Dragon's Tail is a Chinese game for at least ten children, says Activity Village. Children line up single file and place their hands on the shoulders of the player in front of them. When the game starts, the first player in line (the dragon's head) tries to catch the last player in line (the dragon's tail). Players try to keep the line intact during the chase. When the first player tags the tail, the tail player moves to the front of the line and becomes the head. The game starts again.
Chopstick Game
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Activity Village explains that the Chopstick Game is often played at Chinese New Year celebrations. Two teams of children each line up behind a chair. There is a bowl of marbles on each of these chairs. An empty bowl is set up on another chair, six to eight feet away from the start. Each player is given a set of chopsticks. The relay starts with the first player on each team picking up a marble with his chopsticks and carrying it over to the second bowl. If he drops the marble, he must put it back in the first bowl. Players take turns carrying marbles with their chopsticks. The first team to successfully transfer all of their marbles to the second bowl wins. For younger children, use marshmallows or popcorn, as they are easier to pick up with chopsticks.
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- Photo Credit chinese children image by Elly from Fotolia.com Yoyo image by YvesBonnet from Fotolia.com
