Children’s Games in Portugal

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We are accustomed to the traditional cuisine, customs, music, sayings, and even jokes in Portugal, but we have completely overlooked the children’s aspect. In the world of Portuguese children, there are also their own traditions, especially when it comes to games. Some of the games are very creative, while others are the same as those of most children around the world. However, regardless of what these games are, they are aimed at developing imagination, understanding the laws of nature, and physics. And overall, they are a lot of fun!

Jogo do pião

The main object of this game is the “pião.” It is a wooden cone-shaped object that is set in motion by a string. Originally, it was very simple, without any design. Later on, it began to be painted in bright colors and its shape was altered, of course, to improve its playing qualities. It is spun on a flat surface or on a specially marked field.

The rules of the game can vary depending on the players’ imagination. And, of course, it’s a team game. Sometimes children compete to see whose “pião” will spin the longest, and at other times, the goal is to knock the “pião” of other players off the field.

Jogo da macaca

Modern children tend to spend as little time outdoors as possible because there are now televisions, various gadgets, and the internet. However, among children, the traditional game “Jogo de Macaca” (Monkey Game) still exists. This game is called that because sometimes players have to jump and show agility like a monkey.

For this game, a playing field is first prepared. It is drawn with chalk or marked using available materials (sticks, ropes, stones, and so on). The field is divided into sectors, and each sector corresponds to a task.

Participants need to move through the sectors, and sometimes they have to jump over several sectors or even over another participant.

This is an adaptive game, meaning that children can modify it according to their desires and imagination, inventing new rules and tasks. Because of this, playing it is interesting and fun.

Jogo da rolha

The name of the game “ Jogo da rolha” (Cork game) speaks for itself, meaning that the main tool in the game is a bottle cork. For the game to be successful, there must be at least three participants, and the rules vary depending on their number. If there are few participants, the essence of the game may be to knock the opponents’ corks out of the playing field. If there are more participants, a leader is assigned who first throws the cork, and the others have to knock it off the field. The one who does this first becomes the leader in the next round. There may also be no leader, with some other object and/or goals designated for the players to aim for with their corks.

The accessibility of this game lies in the fact that it’s very easy to find a bottle cork on the street, and besides fingers and eyes, nothing else is required. No physical preparation is needed either.

Jogo do Lenço

It becomes gradually clear that Portuguese children are ready to use any materials for games. This time the material is a handkerchief (lenço). The children gather around a leader who throws the handkerchief on the ground. After the leader’s command, the children must grab the handkerchief and run back to their spot, but it’s not that easy! The leader protects their handkerchief! Whoever manages to grab it first becomes the leader next time.

It’s quite intimidating when all the children run towards you while you have to stop them!

Chuta a lata

When you’re a child, any trash can work for a game. This time, an empty tin can is used. The general rule is an open space and several players. Beyond this, the rules vary so much that it’s hard to describe them. In one variation, the “leader” kicks the can into the crowd. The one closest to it must protect it from other players who want to kick it.

In another variation, the children surround the can and take turns trying to knock it over with a ball. If the can is knocked over, the “guard” must put it back in place before the other participants touch it.

Corta-mato

The game “corta-mato” (cross-country) is a more advanced level of children’s games. It is intended for older children, such as school students. This game often features school teams competing against each other. The essence of the game is to run a certain distance through hilly terrain or in the forest faster than anyone else.

In this game, it’s difficult to rely solely on the skills that a child develops independently. After all, in such a game, one must possess a certain technique, prepare correctly, and implement a specific tactic that a coach would teach. Beyond physical and technical preparation, the psychological factor is also important. The child needs to learn to compete politely and support other teammates.

This is a very beneficial and interesting game, despite the fact that it simply involves running. The child builds strength and endurance, all accompanied by the pleasant atmosphere of nature.

Classic Games

In addition to the games listed, Portuguese children also play hide and seek (Escondidas), tag (Apanhada), jump rope, tug of war, and many other games that children around the world play. However, children’s imagination varies depending on the availability of materials for play and the climate. Some games are only suitable for open spaces, while for some games, the main tool can be replaced with something similar in shape.

Conclusion

When we were children, we were so close to nature, exploring it and remembering that experience, broadening our horizons. Now, it seems that children have progressed. They easily handle computer technologies and explore incredible digital worlds in games. And seemingly, the intelligence level of modern children should be much higher, but that is not the case. Without anything like that, we grew up to be quite decent individuals.

Maybe we should go and play checkers or tag now?

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