Toys we played with as kids in the Caribbean(2/2)
People have played games in the Caribbean since before they were really even people, and some of these games are unchanged from hundreds of thousands of years ago. Early Caribbean people also made and used lots of different kinds of toys.
Jump rope
This classic game required nothing more than a long piece of rope and a group of friends. We would take turns jumping over the rope as it twirled around us, trying to avoid getting tangled or tripping up. Many children would use anything from an old clothesline to vines to make the rope. We would also add fun rhymes and songs to make the game more exciting.
Kite
With the strong trade winds blowing through the Caribbean, flying a kite was a popular pastime. We would make our own kites from newspaper or nylon bags and string and run along the beach, watching our creations soar high in the sky.
Dolls
Dolls have been a popular toy for centuries, and the Caribbean was no exception. Many girls had dolls that they would dress up and play with, and some dolls were even made with natural materials such as coconut husks. Dolls were also an important part of cultural traditions, such as the Baby Jesus doll that is placed in the manger during the Christmas season.
These toys may seem simple, but they provided hours of entertainment and helped to foster creativity and imagination. They also reflect the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Caribbean culture, which values making do with what you have and finding joy in the simple things in life.
What other toys did you play with growing up?
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