Chinese Folk Toys
Practical Toys – Chinese Folklore
Besides being for play, folk toys can also be of practical use, such as part of finery, bedding and foodstuff. Children love animal-shaped pillows or hats. For the foodstuff, the plasticity of flour helps people’s imagination come true.
In Shanghai Province, some people are still experts at modeling and steaming flour figures. Suppose how happy they will be when seeing vivid edible flour rabbits and pigs.
Toys to Build up Wisdom – Chinese Folklore
For Chinese who attach great importance to the development of Children’s wisdom, jigsaw puzzle might be the most ideal choice. Composed of 7 pieces in a certain shape, this toy requires players’ brain exertion to join those pieces into a given pattern without any gaps.
The puzzle ring is another well-known game. It is said to originate from the Warring States Period. Appearing to be one of the most incomprehensible games in the human history, it even aroused the attention of western mathematicians.
To separate the nine rings which are buckled together or to join separated nine rings together is quite intricate indeed. In addition, the rings can even be buckled to shape like a palace lantern, a basket, or a ball.
Euphonious Toys – Chinese Folklore
Sounds can increase the amusement of toys. The main euphonious toys are whistles made of clay, porcelain, and bamboo. The simplest way to play is to blow directly along the edge of a leaf or blade of grass. Shadow puppets, displayed on the screen and controlled by people behind, and he rattle-drum which can make the ratting sound shaking are also favorites amongst children.
Toys for Appreciation – Chinese Folklore
Toys for appreciation and decoration stresses artistic value. Carving on root, stone and nut, painted eggshell, modeling with clay, porcelain and wax are all exquisite, especially those figurines with their natural beauty.
Festival Toys – Chinese Folklore
Toys used during festivals are quite flowery and customary. In the Spring Festival, people use firecrackers and fireworks; in the shape of lotus, monkeys, dragons, etc; in the Pure Brightness kites will be flown sky; and during the Dragon Boat Festival, people will take sachet with them.
Old people’s sachet looks like a peach, symbolizing longevity because the peach is usually served at the birthday celebration while children’s sachets are of lovely patterns, with fragrant herbs inside to ward off evil spirits. In ancient times, they are also a token of love that a girl would give to her love.
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