The Chinese are well-known for their traditions. As a traditional people, they used numerous games to pass on their traditions to their children. Most of the games used to educate their children have been played for centuries and so have become traditions themselves. These games helped children learn about mathematics, logic, and nature. Though many of the games had counterparts in other countries, no games were taken as seriously as in China. The Chinese even introduced several games to the rest of the world.

Yo-Yo

Yo-yo is a classic child’s game that has enraptured children throughout history and around the world. China has its own version which is both more intricate and complicated.

This game is also known as Pull-Bell and was first described in China during the Ming Dynasty (1300s-1600s). Though there are two versions that have been described, Chinese children seemed to prefer the double-bell yo-yo. (The other version was known by its single bell.) The double-bell is made up of two saucer-like shapes that adorn either end of a short cylindrical stick. The bell is placed to balance on the rope. The pull is made by attaching the ends of a string to two separate pieces of wood. To play, the player pulls one of the sticks, which causes the bell to roll toward the other stick. To see a video of how it works, click here.

Many pull-bells make sounds, like a hum. This is usually due to holes which are drilled into the saucer-like ends of the bell. The size of the wood used to create the bell, the number of holes, and the size of the holes can create different pitches in sound.

Chinese Chess (Xiang Qi)

The name’s translation is Representational chess. The game is basically two armies in battle. The goal is to capture the other general or king-piece. This type of chess is believed to be the oldest known and played variant of chess. The Indian game, Chaturanga, is thought to be the ancestor of both the western chess game and the Chinese game. Having been played for several centuries, this game has not lost its popularity and is currently one of the most popular games around the world.

In China, it is common to see people playing this game in the street. It is just as common to see players trying to intimidate each other by slamming their hands on the board, saying or singing something. Both children and adults play the game. If you want to learn to play, simply Google Xiang qi or Xiangqi to pull up a multitude of sites devoted to the game, or click here.

Mah-Jong

Mah-Jong is a gambler’s game that is a favorite in China. Banned during the Cultural Revolution (1960s 1070s), it is currently one of the most popular games there. There are several theories pertaining to its origins. One such story declares that Confucius created the game. Others claim the game was not created until the late 1800s.

The typical Mah-Jong set has 144 tiles. These tiles can be cataloged into five suits and then some bonus tiles. There are 36 tiles in each of the Bamboo, Character, and Circle suits, 16 tiles in the Wind suit, 12 tiles in the Dragon suit and then the eight bonus tiles which include four Flower and four Season tiles. The American version of Mah-Jong has 22 more tiles.

Traditionally, these tiles are made from bamboo, bone, or ivory, or a mix of the three appropriate to the suit. Some sets have the symbols carved into the tiles while others are hand painted. Either way, each set is unique and beautiful.

The game-play itself is similar to the American card game, Gin Rummy, actually. Like rummy, the game is about collecting tiles of the same suit according to number and type. The players each take one tile at a time and decide if they can use it. If they can’t, they return the tile to the discard pile and the next player takes his turn. The first player to go out with a hand full of sets is the winner, but only if he or she calls out “Mah-Jong”.

Catching Seven

This game is a wonderful game for kids from start to finish. Not only do kids get to play the game, but they can make the pieces, too. This game is played with seven small pouches of fabric filled with rice or sand. Kids can make the pouches themselves and fill them with sand or rice or even beans, if so desired. If they don’t want to play with the pieces, they can hunt up seven small stones instead.

Playing the game is simple. All one has to do is grab the first piece and toss it in the air. Before that first piece hits the table, the player has to grab the next piece. The pieces need to be spread out evenly, not touching. If the player in question touches more than one bag, they forfeit their turn. If the piece falls to the table before a successful grab can be made, the player again forfeits their turn.

To increase the odds, have the players use their tossing hand to catch the tossed piece, while grabbing the pieces on the table with the other hand.

Dragon Tail

Another traditional Chinese game is called the Dragon’s Tail. This game is pretty simple and is similar to the game tag. At least ten people are needed to play this game, however. Line kids up and have each child put his hands on the shoulder of the child before him. The child at the head of the line is called the Dragon’s Head. The last child in the line is the Tail.

The object of the game is for the Head to try and catch the Tail while the body tries to block the head. Do not allow any break in contact. If the Head is successful in catching the Tail, the Tail then becomes the new Head. The player in front of the Tail is now the Tail.

Jump Rope

This game has been a favorite in school yards around the world for years. However, it was played in China for several centuries. The game was originally called Jump one-hundred threads since the rope was made from whatever was accessible at the time, such as grass.

Cat Catch Mouse

This traditional game is a variation of the American Duck, Duck, Goose only more controlled. First, two children are chosen to be the cat and the mouse. The rest gather in a circle and hold hands with the mouse inside the human ring. A rhyme is then spoken by the children. Half of them say the first and third lines, while the rest say the second and fourth lines. In sequence, of course:

Group one: What time is it?
Group two: Just struck nine.
Group one: Is the cat home?
Group two: He’s about to dine!

At that moment, the chase begins with the cat running after the mouse. The mouse leads the cat through the intermingled children. It is the cat’s job to follow the mouse’s path exactly and also to catch him or her. When the catch is successful, the cat then gets to pretend eating the mouse. The next two children are then chosen to be cat and mouse.

Knock the Stick

Another Chinese game is called knock the stick. The game only requires several boys, enough sticks for each of the boys plus a spare, and some level, barren ground. In the ground, draw two lines about ten feet apart. Place one stick between the two lines, as centered as possible. Each boy then picks up his own stick and divides into teams. Each team (three to four boys) has to try to knock the stick over one of the lines.

To make the game more interesting, designate the lines to each team and change the goal to knocking the stick over the opponent’s line.

Conclusion

China is home to numerous fascinating customs. These customs were used to guide and teach the Chinese people. Children were not exempt from such guides. Children had to learn to work with each other, such as in Dragon’s Tail and Knock the Stick. Other games taught mathematics, such as Xiang Qi and Mah jong. Every custom had a reason and those reasons were fully explored in everyday life, in the past as well as today.