Letting Out The Doves
Source:
Games For The Playground, Home, School And Gymnasium
Category:
MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVE GAMES
_3 to 30 players._
_In doors or out of doors._
This game is particularly suitable for young children. The players
stand in groups of three. One in each group, usually the smallest,
represents a dove; one a hawk, larger than the dove or a swifter
runner; and the third the owner of the birds. The dove stands in front
of the owner, holding her by the hand. The hawk stands behind, also
held by the hand. The owner throws the dove from her with a gesture of
the hand, first toward herself and then away, as a dove might be
tossed for flight in the air, and the little dove sails away, with
arms floating like wings. When the dove has a sufficient start, so
that the larger and swifter hawk may not get her too easily, the owner
throws the hawk in the same way. The hawk runs with outstretched arms
also as though flying, and tries to catch the dove, but is obliged to
run over exactly the same route as the dove. At her discretion the
owner claps her hands as a signal for the two pet birds to return to
her, the dove trying to get back without being caught by the hawk. The
clapping for the return of the birds is always done with hollowed
palms to make a deep sound. The owner gives this when the dove has
reached the farthest point to which she thinks it best for her to go,
the judgment for this being determined sometimes by the gaining of the
hawk on his prey. The dove may not turn to come home until the signal
be heard.
It is well to make an imaginative atmosphere for little children for
this game by telling them of the way doves and hawks are trained as
pets.
This game is played by little girls in China, and is one
reported by Dr. Headland in his charming book on the _Chinese
Boy and Girl_. Some additional points are given here, kindly
supplied by Dr. Headland to the author.
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