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"Passing on Heritage: Traditional Malaysian Games for the Next Generation"
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1. Congkak
Congkak is a traditional Malaysian game that is played on a wooden board with two rows of seven small holes and two bigger holes at the end called "home". The objective of the game is to collect the most seeds in your "home" by picking them up from the board and dropping them one by one in the following holes. Players take turns picking up the seeds from one of their holes and distributing them, one at a time, in a counter-clockwise direction. If the last seed lands in your "home", you get another turn. If it lands in an empty hole on your side of the board, and the opposite hole on your opponent's side has seeds in it, you capture those seeds and put them in your "home". The game continues until one player has no seeds left in their holes. Congkak is not only a fun game but also provides an opportunity for children to learn important skills such as counting, strategy, and patience. It is a game that has been enjoyed by Malaysians for generations and continues to be popular among children and adults alike.
Photo By: MalaysiaGazette
2. Batu Seremban
Batu Seremban, also known as "Five Stones," is a traditional Malaysian game that has been played for generations. It is a game that requires skill, dexterity, and focus. The game is typically played with five small stones or beanbags that are placed on a flat surface such as the ground or a table. The objective of the game is to toss the stones or beanbags up in the air, pick up one or more of them while they are still in the air, and catch the others before they hit the ground. The game starts with one stone or beanbag and progresses to five. The player must complete each level without dropping any of the stones or beanbags. Batu Seremban is not only a fun game but also provides an opportunity for children to develop important skills such as hand-eye coordination, concentration, and perseverance. The game can be played alone or with others, making it a great activity for both indoor and outdoor play. Today, Batu Seremban is still enjoyed by children in Malaysia, and it is also gaining popularity in other parts of the world.
Photo By: I Am Lejen
3. Eagle and Chicks
A traditional game that has been played by Malaysia's children back in 90s. It is a game that requires strategy, agility, and teamwork. The game is typically played outdoors on a flat surface such as a field or playground. The aim of the game is for the "chicks" to cross from one end of the playing area to the other without being caught by the "eagle." The eagle, usually one or two players, tries to catch the chicks by tagging them. The chicks can avoid being caught by using a variety of strategies such as running, dodging, and weaving around obstacles. The game is won when all the chicks have crossed to the other side without being caught. Eagle and Chicks is not only a fun game but also provides an opportunity for children to develop important skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. The game can be played with a large group of children, making it a great activity for socializing and making friends. It was likely the source of all the noise that came from kids during recess at school.
Photo By: THE SMART LOCAL MALAYSIA
4. Ketingting
Ketingting, also known as hopscotch, is a beloved childhood game played by Malaysian millennials. This game is a perfect fit for those who want to engage in physical activity while having fun. It is a game that can be played with three or more people, making it ideal for socializing and creating memorable moments. One of the reasons why this game became so popular is its simplicity. It can be played in a small area such as a backyard or porch, and all that is needed is a piece of chalk and a small object called a gundu. Children used to sneak chalks from their classrooms to draw the hopscotch diagram at home, where they would play with siblings or friends. To play, participants must draw a hopscotch diagram consisting of numbered rectangles and a semicircle with chalk. Players take turns tossing the gundu into the rectangles and begin hopping with one foot, starting from the first rectangle. The game continues until a player successfully completes all nine circles and creates a "house" on the rectangles. The player with the most houses at the end of the game is declared the winner.
Photo By: THE SMART LOCAL MALAYSIA
5. Rubber Band Skipping Rope
Back in the 90s, owning a store-bought toy like a jump rope was a status symbol for kids. However, not all Malaysian children had access to such luxuries. Many had to rely on their creativity and resourcefulness to come up with games using readily-available household items. This is where the rubber band skipping rope came in. Essentially, the rubber band skipping rope is a variation of the classic game of skipping rope. It is played by three people, with a rope made by joining multiple rubber bands together. The objective of the game is to jump over the rubber band rope as it is swung around by two players, while the third player skips in the middle. It was a popular game back then because not all kids had access to jump ropes at home, and they could easily make the rubber band rope themselves. Even though times have changed and many kids now have access to store-bought toys, the rubber band skipping rope remains a beloved childhood game in Malaysia. It is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of Malaysian children who can turn simple household items into hours of fun and entertainment.
In conclusion, traditional Malaysian childhood games hold a special place in the hearts of many Malaysians. These games have been passed down from generation to generation and continue to be played today, albeit less frequently than in the past. These games not only provide entertainment but also serve as a reminder of simpler times when children could find joy in the simplest of things. Playing these games with your child is a great way to connect with them and introduce them to a part of their cultural heritage. So, the next time you have some free time, why not gather your family or friends and try out one of these games? You might just be surprised by how much fun you have!
Photo By: 5T3M
