Traditional Asian Games

Traditional games in Asia have deep roots in the country's history and culture, and have played an important role in the community for many years. Developed in a unique way for each country, traditional games were seen as an important means of strengthening community unity and fostering strategies and wisdom beyond just playing. In this chapter, we will introduce some of the traditional games enjoyed in Asian countries.

1. China – Mahjong

History: Mahjong was a 19th century game that originated in China and was traditionally enjoyed by the aristocrats and aristocrats. It became widespread throughout the country over time and is now popular in China and other countries around the world.
How to play it: Mahjong uses 136 tiles, and each player wins by changing the tiles in their hands, creating a specific combination. There are various combination rules in the game, and it requires strategy and concentration.
Cultural Meaning: Mahjong is a game often enjoyed during traditional Chinese holidays or family gatherings, which enhances the bond between people. Also, socially, mahjong plays an important role in Chinese brain training and leisure.

2. Korea – Yut Nori

History: Yutnori is a board game enjoyed during Lunar New Year and Chuseok, a traditional Korean holiday, and is said to have originated from the Three Kingdoms Period of B.C. It is known as a game enjoyed primarily to pray for a good harvest in farming or for the well-being of the family.
Game style: Yutnori is a game in which a horse is moved on a horse board by throwing four bars. The horse board has a square shape, and the goal is to win by catching an opponent's horse or jumping the opponent's horse to the point of arrival. The moving distance of the horse varies depending on the shape of the thrown yut.
Cultural Meaning: As a game enjoyed by families and neighbors, yutnori features a harmony of cooperation and competition. Especially during the holidays, the whole family gathers and enjoys it, strengthening a sense of community, and it is popular because everyone can participate regardless of age.

3. India – Kabadi

History: Kabaddi was an ancient Indian folk game, still a traditional sport in many parts of the country. While its origins are unclear, it appears to have originated in rural India and gradually spread throughout the city. It is now also growing in popularity as an international sport.
How to Play It: Kabaddi is played by two teams, and they get points when a player from a team enters the opponent's camp, chants "Kabaddi" in a row, touches the opponent, and returns. Attacks are only possible while the player holds his or her breath, and the opponent catches the player and tries to stop him.
Cultural Meaning: Kabaddi is a game where physical strength, breath control, and strategy are important, and has played an important role in traditional physical education in India. It is also widely taught in schools, especially as a sport that requires teamwork and tactical thinking.

4. Japan – Go (囲碁, Go)

History: Go is a board game that originated in China and is said to have dates from around 2500 B.C. It was introduced to Japan around the 7th century, and later became a traditional Japanese game, and has been popular among aristocrats and samurai since the Edo period.
How to play it: Go alternately places black and white stones, surrounding the opponent's stone and occupying it with his own stone. The goal of the game is to occupy a large area on the board, which is a simple rule but requires a very complex and in-depth strategy.
Cultural Meaning: Go was considered an important tool for developing concentration and strategic thinking in Japan. Even now, Japanese professional goers earn great honor and are positioned as a part of traditional Japanese culture.

5. Philippines – Supas (Sungka)

History: Supas is a traditional board game passed down from the Philippines, where similar forms of play are found throughout Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, it was a popular play in the Mindanao and Visaya regions.
How to play it: A Supas has a small hole on a long wooden board, and each hole is divided with a clam or stone. The goal is to collect a lot of stones, with two people taking turns moving the stones in the hole.
Cultural Meaning: This game is known as a traditional game for building family bonds in the Philippines, and is enjoyed a lot mainly in its free time. It is also highly educational as it allows you to develop strategic thinking and patience through the game.

6. Vietnam – Bàu cà co ̣ p

History: Baucua Kauco is a gambling traditional game that is often enjoyed during holidays, especially during Lunar New Year, in Vietnam. It is an easy game for many people to participate in thanks to its relatively simple rules.
Game style: Baucua Kau Kau Kau Kau Kau is a method of betting money on pictures of throwing dice. There are pictures of animals and fruits on the side of the dice, and when the picture of your choice comes out, you receive a prize.
Cultural Meaning: This game is a game that families and relatives gather to enjoy together during the Vietnamese holiday, and it serves to raise the holiday atmosphere while providing laughter and fun.

Finish

Traditional games in Asia have a meaning beyond just playing. Each game reflects the culture, history, and philosophy of the community, and provides a place for people to come together to communicate and cooperate. In modern times, these games are increasingly forgotten, but they remain important cultural heritages for many people and are actively enjoyed during national holidays and festivals.