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Growing up in Jamaica: 12 Popular Jamaican Childhood Games

Before smartphones and video games took over, Jamaican children spent countless hours playing outside, making memories with friends and family. Our imaginations would always be running wild coming up with new and exciting ways to make today more fun than the day before. With today May 17th being children’s day in Jamaica, here are 12 popular Jamaican childhood games that every Jamaican played.

1. Marbles

This game was like little league gambling on most primary and early high school grounds. Boys would work the angles to obtain the most unique-looking marbles from fellow players. Each match was a test of skill, strategy, and a bit of luck, as they aimed to knock their opponents’ marbles out of a ring.

2. Stucky Pully

This is the Jamaican version of tag. Stucky Pully involved five objects that served as safe zones. What joy it was to dart between these zones as you avoided to avoid being frozen by the designated ‘stucky’. What made this more fun than your regular game of tag was fore-planning and agility necessary to unfreeze “pull’ your fellow gamers while avoiding being made stuck your self. It was a fast-paced and strategic game about agility and quick thinking!

3. One Two Three Red Light

This game was a test of stealth and patience. One person (the “stoplight”) would face away from the group and call out “One, two, three, red light!” while the others tried to sneak up. If the stoplight turned around and caught anyone moving, that player had to start over.

4. Ring Around the Rosey

A classic sing-along game, children would form a circle, hold hands, and skip around while singing. At the end of the song, everyone would collapse in laughter. It was simple, joyous, and a staple of early childhood.

5. Bull inna Pen

This game was pure adrenaline! Forming a ring by holding hands, one person inside the circle (the “bull”) would try to break free while others held on tight. If the bull escaped, a chase ensued to catch the next potential bull. It was a thrilling mix of strength and strategy.

6. Dandy Shandy / Sight in the Middle

Another one of our popular Jamaican childhood games, this one often ending in tears and was not for the faint-hearted. Players would throw a ball at someone standing in the middle, aiming to hit them. The only difference was that you could choose better a hard ball (your typical ball if you had one) or a soft ball ( a box-drink box stuffed with leaves and grass and maybe news paper). The last person standing without being hit would be the winner. It was all about quick reflexes and dodging skills.

7. Chinese Skipping

Hours were spent crafting the perfect elastic band ring for this game. Girls would show off their skills and moves, often competing for popularity. It was a game of rhythm, coordination, and creativity, played everywhere from classrooms to backyards.

8. House

If you never used old tins as pots and stones as a stove, did you even have a childhood? Children would concoct tea and cakes from mud and grass, mimicking the adults around them. It was a game of imagination and role-playing, perfect for long afternoons with siblings and cousins.

9. Finga Mash Nuh Cry

This was another tearjerker. Gathering in a small circle, children would sing “Com guh dung a Emmanuel road gyal and boy fi guh bruk rock stone…” /”come let’s go down by Emmanuel Rd girls and boys to break up stones” while passing a rock around. As the song continued, ” Bruk dem one by one! Gyal and Boy, bruk them two by two! Gyal and boy, finga mash nuh cry! Gyal and boy memba a ramp wi a ramp!” “Break them one by one, girls and boys , break them two by two,, girls and boys. If your finger gets smashed don’t cry, remember we are only playing” the goal became to avoid getting your fingers hit, as the song sped up. It was a game of resilience and bravado.

10. Football

A universal favorite, football (soccer) was played anywhere and everywhere. Whether with a proper ball or a makeshift one, children formed teams and played intense matches, honing their skills and building teamwork.

11. Cricket (Bat and Ball)

Cricket was another staple, with improvised equipment often serving just as well as the real thing. Children would play for hours, perfecting their batting and bowling techniques, and dreaming of becoming cricket legends.

12. Race

Racing was the simplest yet one of most exhilarating Jamaican childhood games. Whether it was a short sprint or a longer run, children loved to challenge each other to see who was the fastest. It was a test of speed, endurance, and sometimes, a bit of friendly rivalry.

These games not only entertained but also taught valuable life skills, fostered friendships, and created countless memories. They are a cherished part of Jamaican childhood, forever etched in the hearts of those who played them.

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Emily
Emily
4 months ago

Ring Around the Rosey is one that kids play a lot here in Canada, too! I remember spinning around with that one as a young child.

Michelle
Michelle
4 months ago

I’ve never played cricket, but it looks like a fun sport! Maybe one day I can go to Jamaica and try with the locals.

Kimberley Asante
Kimberley Asante
4 months ago

Your nostalgic piece on popular Jamaican childhood games is a delightful read, bringing back fond memories and cultural insights. I love how you’ve captured the essence of growing up in Jamaica, celebrating the vibrant and playful spirit of these traditional games.

Richard Lowe
Richard Lowe
4 months ago

I played some of these games when I was younger. Jamaica sounds like a great please to visit.

Catherine Kay
Catherine Kay
4 months ago

What a great list of popular Jamaican childhood games. It’s amazing how these simple yet fun games have shaped so many happy moments.

Renata Feyen
Renata Feyen
4 months ago

I remember that we played a lot of hide and seek as we were kids, but I played a lot of the games you named here too

Rosey
Rosey
4 months ago

Race sounds fun and something like kids and sometimes adults, lol, would enjoy. And yes, I remember the kids playing with pots and pans. They loved to play grown up in the kitchen.

barbie ritzman
barbie ritzman
4 months ago

This is a fantastic post! These games all sound so much fun and creative. It makes you realize how much joy can be found in simple activities

Nikki Wayne
Nikki Wayne
4 months ago

These are a good and enjoyable games. Thanks for sharing your culture when it comes to the children that they are playing, I think this is the time that some people in different country should try this games.

Fransic verso
Fransic verso
4 months ago

Wow, that sounds interesting childhood games, its about creativity and how fun. And these games are awesome. Thank you for sharing!

Tashara
Tashara
4 months ago

Wow! Childhood was really fun. I can attest to playing all of these. My favourite was chinese skip, as my cousins and I always dominated this game at school.

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