Chinese culture is truly unique and has a rich legacy and the birth spring of many beautiful inventions that are popular all around the world today. Many of the toys that abound today are inspired by China’s traditional toys, arts, and crafts. Here are a few traditional Chinese toys for children:
1. Kites
Mo Zhai, an ancient Chinese philosopher, made the earliest kite. Traditionally, kites were used as a military tool or communication medium rather than a toy. The emergence of kites is noted in the Tang Dynasty, one of the key reasons for its widespread popularity in modern times. With time, kites become toys for entertainment and leisure. The history of kites in China is more than two thousand years old.
The patterns and designs of the kites flown in China tend to complement this rich history. Additionally, patterns and designs of the kite are often used for reflecting yearning and pursuit of happiness in life. It symbolizes good luck and happiness and serves as a depiction of appreciation for the good life. Kites are also used to reflect on individual thoughts and feelings and mark the permeation of China’s folk customs and national traditions.
The Kite Festival has become a yearly event in Weifang, Shandong Province. Overall, the emergence and popularity of kites are accredited to ancient Chinese culture.
2. Rattle-Drum
It is a traditional musical instrument and a popular toy in China. It emerged in the Warring States Period. The main part is the little drum which creates sound when hit by the two pellets fastened on both sides of the drum. A handle on the drum is used for holding this toy. Rolling this handle gives out a unique sound.
The drum’s body is made of wood, bamboo, or paperboard. The drumhead is generally made of paperboard, snakeskin, cowhide, or sheepskin. Traditionally, rattle drums were merely musical instruments. Due to their acoustic and entertaining features, they are now widely played toys in China, especially in Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu, and areas of Northern China. Additionally, they are used as a changeful tool to catch the attention of individuals.
The Chinese believed that rattle drums' solid and recreational characteristics tend to bring grace and happiness; thus, this toy has been used in China to date.
3. Burr Puzzle
A burr puzzle is an interlocking puzzle consisting of notched sticks, combined to make one three-dimensional, usually symmetrical unit. These puzzles are traditionally made of wood, but you can increasingly find alternative versions made of plastic or metal.
The six-piece burr, also called "Puzzle Knot" or "Chinese Cross", is the most well-known and presumably the oldest of the burr puzzles and is a great brain teaser for children.
You will also find an exciting video about the burr puzzle on our YouTube channel in the coming weeks, stay tuned!
4. Tops
This is one of the most popular toys among Chinese youths. Today, tops are played by children worldwide; however, China is considered the birthplace. A stone top was recently found in the ruins of the Neolithic Period in Xia County, Shanxi Province. This discovery indicates that tops were used in China at least four to five thousand years ago.
Additionally, another interesting toy, the bamboo dragonfly, was found in the history of the Jin Dynasty. It was considered the precursor of the top in China by western countries. However, the top and the bamboo dragonfly are two different toys. The top spins on the ground while the bamboo dragonfly spins in the sky. The aspect of spinning is the only commonality; thus, it can be stated that the top and bamboo dragonfly are two different sorts of traditional Chinese toys.
5. Diabolo
It is a famous traditional folk toy from China. This toy has two small bamboo sticks tied with a line and wrapped with a wood shaft. Shaking this toy spins the diabolo rapidly and makes a sound. In earlier times of the Ming Dynasty, Beijing diabolo gained popularity as a toy to be played in the spring season in courtyards and hutongs. The pleasant and musical sound was very famous in Beijing city. However, this toy is enjoyed by Chinese in the whole country rather than being limited to Beijing city.
6. Shuttlecock
Shuttlecock’s history in China is more than 2000 years old. In the Han dynasty, individuals used to play shuttlecock kicking, which is a popular outdoor activity of China to date. It is not limited to children; adults enjoy it as well. The core reason for its long-lasting popularity is accredited to the variations of kicking and practicing. This toy can be played by one or many.
The multiplayer game is played in a circle in which a shuttlecock is kicked. The option of single-player and multiplayer games has contributed to preserving this toy over the years. The rule of the shuttlecock kicking game is straightforward: keep the shuttlecock in the air without using your hands.
7. Cloth Tiger
It is a handicraft toy that has been widely popular in China since ancient times. It is also used as indoor decoration and an excellent gift for every event. The Chinese population considers the tiger a symbol of protection from evil, protector of wealth, and the bringer of good fortune and peace. During the Dragon Boat Festival, held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, cloth tigers are made for children as toys to symbolize courage, strength, and health. There are many versions of cloth tiger such as set tiger, cloth tiger pillow, lovers tiger, four head tiger, double head tiger, and single head tiger.
8. Chinese Ring Puzzle
The Chinese ring puzzle is a traditional Chinese folk intellectual toy. This toy was preferred by many women and children in the Qing dynasty. In the Dream of Red Mansions, Lin Daiyu solved nine links of the Chinese Ring Puzzle skillfully. It is considered one of the most ingenious toys invented in China due to its complex unwrapping method.
A profound historical and cultural value is attached to every traditional toy in China as their folk customs closely bind them. Most of the toys listed above were a significant part of the famous Chinese dynasties. In addition to this, these traditional toys were designed to educate the children and entertain them.
Additionally, it is to be noted that the traditional toys of China do not require workshop tools; most of them can be built in houses with everyday items. In sum, the traditional toys of China are preserving its culture and history through entertainment.
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