Types of balls used in Vietnamese folk games
In Vietnamese folk culture, balls are used in many games and community activities, from sports to traditional festivals. Below are the common types of balls used in folk games.
1. Soccer
Football Soccer is a popular sport in many places around the world, and in Vietnam, this game is also considered one of the modern folk games. The ball used in soccer is usually made of leather or synthetic materials, which are elastic and durable. Soccer games in folklore often take place in fields or open areas, where players can freely compete without the need for complicated equipment.
At many festivals and special occasions, football is also organized as a group recreational activity, attracting a large number of participants.
2. Volleyball
Volleyball is one of the popular folk games in the Vietnamese community, especially during village festivals or sporting events. Volleyball uses a ball made of rubber or synthetic leather, which is light and durable. This game not only helps to improve health but also promotes team spirit and coordination between players.
Volleyball is usually played in outdoor spaces, with a net dividing the court, where two teams compete to score points by passing the ball over the net without letting it touch the ground.
3. Table Tennis
Ping pongalso known as ping pong, is a very popular folk game, not only limited to professional competitions but also played in families and communities. The table tennis ball is small, light and usually made of plastic. Players use rackets to hit the ball back and forth on the table, with the goal of scoring points when the opponent fails to catch the ball.
Table tennis is a sport that requires agility, dexterity and good reflexes. It is often organized as an entertainment game at festivals and community events.
4. Handball
Handball is a traditional Vietnamese folk game, especially popular in rural areas and during festivals. The handball is usually made of cloth or rubber, light and easy to throw. The game of handball requires players to be skillful and agile to throw the ball into targets or pass the ball to teammates without being caught by the opponent.
This game is often held in a large space, allowing many people to participate and creating a fun, bustling atmosphere.
5. Ball Con (Throw Con)
Throw the ball is a traditional festival game, often found in the mountainous ethnic minority areas of Northern Vietnam. The “con” ball is a type of ball made from cloth, stuffed with rice or cotton seeds. Players stand a certain distance apart and throw the ball through a circle or net, symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth, and bringing luck to the crops.
The ball throwing game often takes place during the New Year festivals, as a ritual to pray for fertility, growth and luck.
Football
Balls in Vietnamese folk games are not only entertainment tools but also symbols of community connection and culture. From soccer, volleyball to shuttlecock, these balls have become an important part of Vietnamese cultural life, bringing joy and connection to everyone. Try participating in folk games to experience and explore these unique cultural values!