Cat’s Cradle and other String Games Workshop for Kids

According to Historical Folk Toys, “String games such as Cat’s Cradle have been played around the world for thousands (if not millions) of years. It does not appear that this game has a particular origin; rather, it was developed independently by many cultures around the same time . . . . It seems that string figures were familiar to most native inhabitants of East Asia, Australia, Africa, the Arctic, the Americas, and the Pacific Islands. Some string games might even be from the Stone Age! Since actual “string” was not available in most of these regions, people used native sources like sinew or leather, twine made from bark, Hibiscus tree fiber, or even braided human hair. Most string games are played with one or two pairs of hands, but some people have been known to use their toes, knees, elbows, and mouth. They can create some fabulous string patterns!”

For this Wilton Historical Society children’s workshop, museum educator Lola Chen will discuss string games, and teach the kids how to play four classic string games:  Cup and Saucer, The Witch’s Broom, Cat’s Cradle, and Jacob’s Ladder.

The children will help make their own snack, cookies decorated with cinnamon sugar in lattice patterns.

The workshop is suggested for children ages 6-12. The cost for Wilton Historical Society members is $10 per child, with a maximum of $25 per family; non-members are $15 per child, with a maximum of $35 per family. Please register via email or call 203.762.7257.

Did You Know?

If you become a serious string game enthusiast or are just a little more curious, check out the International String Figure Association (ISFA), which was founded in 1978 by Hiroshi Noguchi, a Japanese mathematician, and Philip Noble, an Anglican missionary, stationed in Paupa, New Guinea.