Thai shuttlecock throwing game
(Baonghean.vn)- VIt is both a traditional sport and a cultural activity containing noble human meanings.Throwing a ball is an indispensable game in festivals of the Thai people in Western Nghe An.
No one knows exactly when the Thai people's ball throwing game appeared, but it is known that in all festivals, especially important festivals such as the long tong festival (going to the fields), the xen ban xen muong festival (worshiping the village and the muong) or on the occasion of the traditional New Year, ball throwing is an indispensable form of activity.
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| Con throwing competition at the Nine-Chamber Temple festival, Que Phong (Photo: Sach Nguyen) |
To prepare for this game, women often make the shuttlecocks, while men set up the poles. According to Mr. Sam Van Nam, head of Hoa Tien 1 village, Chau Tien commune, Quy Chau: The shuttlecocks are made of colorful fabric and sewn into a square shape, stuffed with rice husks, cotton seeds, etc. In the middle of the shuttlecock is sewn a strong cotton string, dyed with red and green tassels, about 50 cm long.
The pole is made of bamboo, 15m high, with a circle on top to serve as a throwing target. The pole must be erected in the middle of a large field to accommodate many people.
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| The location chosen to place the flagpole is usually the center of the festival grounds (Photo: SN) |
The Thai people divide the game of throwing the ball into two forms: “con vong” and “con xai”, of which the most popular is “con vong” throwing. The player holds the end of the cloth string and spins the ball clockwise a few times before tossing it so that it flies through the circle. The winner is considered to be the lucky one.
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| One more ball was thrown and hit (Photo: SN) |
With the form of throwing "con xai", a form of love, in which young men and women who are not married are divided into 2 rows. Men stand on one side, women stand on the other side. At first, the con is thrown randomly, one throws the other catches it. Later, any couple who has "intentions" for each other will automatically throw the con to each other. If anyone misses and the con falls to the ground, they will have to give a gift to the thrower, usually a Piêu scarf, silver bracelet...
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| With the meaning of bringing good luck and fortune, the game of throwing con is always eagerly awaited by many people to participate (Photo: Dao Tho) |
The end of the "con xai" throwing game is usually done by throwing the "con" string in pairs. The Thai people compare the "con" string to a love string passed from one person's hand to another, with many secrets. Therefore, after the "con" throwing game, there are many young Thai couples who have been tied by the "con" string to become husband and wife.
Regardless of the form, the game of throwing the ball in the Thai community is still a unique cultural and sporting activity. Moreover, hidden behind it is the meaningful message of the Thai people about their aspirations, beliefs in life and the spirit of solidarity, working together to produce and build a prosperous village. With that meaning, the game of throwing the ball is always an indispensable activity in Thai festivals and is expected by everyone to participate.
Dang Nguyen
