"Cat's Cradle" is one example of a Hawaiian string game.
Playing with string and looping it around fingers is a game typically played by children. Commonly known as "Jacob's Ladder" or "Cat's Cradle," Hawaiian string games have been used for competitions or storytelling over many years. Also known as "hei," this ancient art has provided an artistic outlet for many cultures for hundreds of years.
History
Ancient Hawaiians introduced many types of games into their culture. One of these games is called hei, or string figures. This game is commonly played while singing chants and looping strings around fingers, but other cultures also use their mouths, knees, elbows and toes for looping. "Cat's Cradle" is the most famously played string game from Hawaii.
Significance
According to Hawaiian legend and history, there are more than 115 types of hei. Besides being a child's game, it is also seen as a tool created by shamans for assisting in self-awareness, discovering relationships with others and the surrounding environment. String figures were used by ancient Hawaiians for restoring harmony and balance.
Meanings
Chants relating the meanings of the string figures or hei remain open for interpretation. Several meanings can be associated with different hei, such as literal, figurative, hidden, historical or legendary meanings. When learning about the string figures, listen carefully when chants accompany the hei because the words will generally explain which meaning it's referencing.
Considerations
The ancient art of string games can still be used today when educating children. Some teachers think children will benefit from this ancient tradition because it helps improve memory, keeps attention and helps in developing motor-coordination skills. Seen as an inexpensive learning and diagnostic tool, the Hawaiian string game inspires more than just competitive spirit.
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