Thai game of throwing the ball

(Baonghean.vn)- VIt is both a traditional sport and a cultural activity imbued with profound humanistic meanings.Throwing the ball is an indispensable game in the festivals of the Thai people in western Nghe An province.

No one knows exactly when the Thai people's game of throwing the ball originated, but it is known that in all festivals, especially major ones like the Lồng Tồng festival (the festival of going down to the fields), the Xên Bản Xên Mường festival (worshiping the village and the community), or during the traditional New Year, throwing the ball is an indispensable part of the festivities.

The traditional ball-throwing competition at the Nine-Room Temple festival in Que Phong (Photo: Nguyen Sach)

To prepare for this game, women usually make the ball, while men erect the ceremonial pole. According to Mr. Sam Van Nam, head of Hoa Tien 1 village, Chau Tien commune, Quy Chau district: The ball is made of colorful fabric sewn into a square shape, stuffed with rice husks, cotton seeds, etc. In the center of the ball, a strong, durable cotton thread, dyed with green and red tassels, about 50 cm long, is sewn.

The pole is made of bamboo, 15 meters high, with a circular target at the top. The pole must be erected in a large open field to accommodate many participants.

The location chosen for placing the ceremonial pole is usually the center of the festival grounds (Photo: SN)

The Thai people divide the game of throwing the ball into two forms: "round ball" and "xai ball," with "round ball" being the most popular. Players hold the ball near the end of the cloth string, spin it a few times clockwise, and then throw it. If the ball flies through the circle, the player wins and is considered lucky.

One of the grenades was even thrown and hit its target (Photo: SN)

In the "con xai" throwing game, a form of courtship, unmarried young men and women are divided into two rows. Men stand on one side, women on the other. Initially, the throwing is done indiscriminately, with one side throwing and the other catching. Later, if a couple develops feelings for each other, they will spontaneously throw the ball to each other. If someone misses catching the ball and it falls to the ground, they must give a gift to the thrower, usually a traditional scarf or silver bracelet.

With its meaning of bringing good luck and fortune, the game of throwing the ball is always eagerly awaited by many people who want to participate (Photo: Dao Tho).

The game of throwing the "con xai" (a type of ball) usually ends with couples of young men and women throwing the ball. The Thai people liken the "con" string to a thread of love, passed from one hand to another, carrying many unspoken secrets. Therefore, after the "con" throwing game, many young Thai men and women have found their love and become husband and wife thanks to the "con" ball.

Regardless of the form it takes, the game of throwing the ball in the Thai community remains a unique cultural and sporting activity. Moreover, it embodies a rich humanistic message of the Thai people about aspirations, faith in life, and the spirit of unity and solidarity in working together to build a prosperous village. With this meaning, the game of throwing the ball is always an indispensable activity in Thai festivals and is eagerly anticipated by everyone.

Dang Nguyen