Folk games with balls at festivals
Folk games with balls are an indispensable part of traditional festivals in Vietnam. These games not only bring joy and entertainment but also help unite the community and maintain unique cultural values. Below are popular folk games with balls that often appear at festivals across the country.
1. Folk Volleyball Game
Folk volleyball is a popular game in traditional festivals in the Vietnamese countryside. Unlike modern volleyball, folk volleyball is often played on grass or communal house grounds, with simpler rules. Folk volleyball usually does not have a net and uses light balls such as rubber balls or straw balls.
How to play:
- The two teams stand facing each other, a moderate distance apart.
- The objective is to pass the ball back and forth between members without letting it fall to the ground.
- The team that drops the ball more times loses.
This game not only requires dexterity but also helps to strengthen team spirit and community bonding.
2. Village Soccer Game
Village football is a popular folk game in festivals in rural areas of Vietnam. Instead of using modern footballs, this game often uses balls made from straw, bamboo or leftover cloth. Village football matches are usually for fun, entertainment and are not highly competitive.
How to play:
- Each team has about 5-7 players.
- The ball is kicked with the feet, the aim is to kick the ball into the opponent’s goal.
- The matches are usually short and without professional referees, everyone plays with sportsmanship and fun.
Village football is not only an opportunity for people to interact and meet, but also a way to strengthen solidarity and community spirit.
3. Handball Game
Folk handball is a game often seen in festivals in the Northern Delta. This is a game that requires dexterity, precision and strength. The ball is usually made from light materials such as cloth or rattan.
How to play:
- Players stand in lines and throw balls at targets painted on the wall or ground.
- Scores are based on accuracy in throwing the ball into the center of the target.
- The person who throws the most accurately wins.
Handball games not only help train concentration and dexterity but are also an opportunity for exchange and learning among community members.
4. Badminton Game With Ball
Play badminton with ball is a popular folk game in festivals of the Tay and Nung ethnic groups in the northern mountainous region. This game uses a large ball made of cloth or straw, and players use sticks to hit the ball back and forth.
How to play:
- Each team has 3-5 players, using sticks to hit the shuttlecock back and forth between sides.
- The objective is to hit the ball into the opponent’s goal or goal.
- The team that scores the most points wins.
Playing badminton with a ball helps players practice strength, agility and coordination in a team.
5. Sand Ball Game
In coastal areas, ball rolling on sand is a fun folk game often held at beach festivals. Players will roll the ball on the sand, trying to get the ball to the finish line as quickly as possible. This is a simple entertaining game but brings a lot of joy and laughter.
How to play:
- Each player will have a ball, roll the ball with hands or feet on the sand to the finish line.
- Whoever rolls the ball to the finish line the fastest without dropping it wins.
This game helps to improve health, endurance and brings relaxation to players during the holidays.
Folk games
Folk ball games at festivals are a beautiful traditional cultural feature of Vietnam. These games not only help preserve national identity but also bring joy and connection between members of the community. Through these games, people can learn, exchange and create beautiful memories together. Let’s join the festivals and explore these interesting games!
