Traditional Game - Main Lereng

This game, Main Lereng, was introduced and initiated in the late 1950's in Singapore by the younger kids. At that point of time, there were very little entertainment for them, thus children in those days come up with very innovative games to keep them occupied, and one of which is this.



What is Main Lereng?

Main Lereng is also known as "bicycle rim". From this, I guess u can deduce what the game would be about. Anyway, a bicycle rim and a wooden stick (or any other material that can support) are used; the bicycle rim to be held straight and upright and the stick to move the rim forward by thrusting it. I will explain further later on.






[a bicycle rim] taken from http://www.flickr.com/photos/synapticimpulse/405249138/


Method of play

Difficulty Level- 3/5 (Average)

Just like any other traditional games that I mentioned earlier, it can be of team play or of individual play. Firstly, two parallel lines are drawn in the venue 5 metres apart, the starting line and the finishing line. Just like a 5m race, the first who reaches the finishing line eventually wins, just that this time round, it is not running but using a bicycle rim.

The individual play version- when the whistle sounds(marking the start), the two competitors will use the stick to roll their bicycle rims along, maintaining the upright position thoughout the whole game.

The team play version- played as a relay.


For more information of this game, visit this webby- http://sportsmuseum.ssc.gov.sg/museum/ssm_cat_details4ae5.html?type=5&artID=432&root=76&cat=19


Personal Experience

Anyway, when I was young, this game had long being "extinct", and I had no chance to try this seemingly fun game unfortunately.

Traditional Game - gasing

Yup, the name of this traditional game I'm gonna introduce to you guys this week is gasing. I bet you will be dazed, wondering " oh well what is this unknown game ? " Never mind, carry on reading, and soon you will get the gist of it.



What is gasing?
Basically, gasing is a Malay word, meaning "top", which is a toy tapering to a metal point whereby it can be made to spin. It is invented by the Malays and is an activity enjoyed by them during the kampong days. However, modernisation of Singapore has caused this game's popularity to decline as kampongs turn to public flats.



Equipment needed to play gasing
-a top as seen below ( one for every single player )
-strings
-a platform (for the tops)




( taken from http://i.pbase.com/u34/1melvin/large/34750217.Gasing.jpg)

Method of Play
Firstly, let me rate this game according to its difficulty. Difficulty level - 1/5 ( easy game! )
This particular game can be of individual play or of team play. I would recommend the team play version because it seems more fun than a one-versus-one match, isn't it?
The aim of this game is to ensure that the top is spinning as long as possible in the platform or a specified area.

The individual play version - the two players spin their tops into the specified area. The person whose top spins the longest eventually win the game.
Note: the top must be spinning in the particular area. if the top spins out of it, the player will be automatically disqualified.
The teamplay version - There will be 2 platforms/specified areas ( depending on how many teams ). One of the members in each team will have to spin their tops in their areas. When the top stops or goes out of the area, the next member has to quickly take over and spins his/her top. The team which has a last top which outspins the rest eventually wins the game.

For more information regarding this game, feel free to visit this webby - http://sportsmuseum.ssc.gov.sg/museum/ssm_cat_details56f5.html?type=5&artID=80&root=76&cat=19