As technology progresses over the years, there seems to be a new modern (and preferable) pastime with the company of social media and gadgets.
These days, our kids no longer play the kind of games like we did back in the 90s and early 20s.
I remember how the rich kids back in my day would always brag about getting a Game Boy or desktop’s games from their parents, while the rest of us had fun playing with ‘Guli’ and ‘Gasing’.
Sad to say, traditional games seem to be fading away from the interest of youngsters nowadays.
To reminisce over fond memories of our childhood, especially the happy ones that involve our favourite games, we are taking you on a trip down memory lane with these all-time Malaysian favourites. You can also share and play some with your kids!
1. Galah Panjang
Even though the name of the game is ‘Galah Panjang’ or long poles, we do not actually need a long pole.
‘Galah Panjang’ is a traditional game played with lines drawn on the floor at an open space or more easily in a court. The lines drawn are all based on the numbers of players that are playing. Typically, this game is played with 8 people in each team, with 4 players each. Perfect for a big family!
To win this game, you will need to go through a series of obstacles, in which players from the opposing team will try their best to block your way from reaching the other side.
2. Guli
Mummies, if you remember, ‘Guli’ (also known as marbles) was an it-item back in the good old days. Every kid in the neighbourhood will have (at least) a pouch of ‘guli’.
It was so much fun playing this game. It motivates the player to target their ‘guli’ better so that it can hit the opponent’s ‘guli’ afterwards.
You can try to play this game in your yard with your kids. I bet both your little boy and girl will definitely love this game!
Remember, the number of players must not exceed more than 5. To start, let your kids draw a circle with an approximate diameter of 1 metre on a flat surface or ground and arrange the marbles inside the circle accordingly.
Next, teach your kids on how they should throw their marbles to hit their target accurately. If you were one of the champions back in the day, perhaps, you can teach some awesome throwing skills as well.
Let your kids focus and get their heads in the game to win!
3. Ceper
Do you have bottle caps laying around in your house and not sure what to do with them? If you do, then it is ‘Ceper’ time! This game has existed since the 70s and was very popular at that time.
This game mainly uses bottle caps that are made of steel. It is made up of 2 or more players in a game and will use up to 5 sets of bottle caps.
The way to play this game is very straightforward. A player must count the quantity of ‘ceper’ available during the weighing ‘ceper’. Each ‘ceper’ represents 2 marks.
Winners will be determined by the total marks earned after weighing their collected ‘ceper’.
4) Wau
I have always loved playing with ‘Wau’ or also known as Malaysian moon-kite ever since I was a little kid. And now, it is my kids’ turns to experience the fun.
‘Wau’ has been one of the most famous traditional games played in Malaysia for hundreds of years.
‘Wau’ is created with intricately Malay motives that can be seen in the form of its patterns and designs. Let your kids use their creativity and learn how to make their own ‘Wau’.
There is no rule on how many players are required; the more the merrier! Just like regular kites, you can play them in open and windy areas.
5) Sepak Bulu Ayam
Supervise your kids so that they do not literally kick chickens just for feathers! ‘Sepak Bulu Ayam’ or Kicking The Feathers is a game, which involves kicking a hand-made softball made of chicken feathers.
The goal of the game is to test your kid’s abilities to control and balance the ball for as long as possible so that it will not fall on the floor.
2 or more players can participate in this game. All you need is a softball that is made out of at least 14 chicken’s feathers tied in the center of a rubber sheet.
It is really a fun competitive game once your kids get the hang of it.
Lastly, young kids will surely be more exposed to Malaysian traditional cultures and gain more knowledge about them just by playing these traditional games.
It also encourages your kids to play outside (preferably, in front of your house) and exercise as physical movements are required to play most of the games.
So, mummies, time to relive your childhood memories with your kids and get competitive!