Traditional Childhood Games in Grenada Before the Digital Age

There are a few games that are associated with growing up in Grenadian life. While some of these games are no longer played due to the introduction of technological devices such as tablets and video games. Most definitely, those who would have grown up in the period before 2000s would recall some of these favourite childhood games.

Spinning top

This was a favourite among boys in primary schools. Whether it was during the lunch time or afterschool, spinning the top took their attention. The top is made of wood and twine or string. It was handmade by the boys themselves or some member of their family.

To spin the top, the top had to be positioned between the index finger and the middle finger. Then, the top was then let go with a jerk of the hand, towards the ground.

A Wooden Top

Marbles

The playing of marbles could be seen behind of the school or anywhere there was open space. Boys would gather to play marbles. Glass marbles are the most common. Pitching marbles was the game activity with each boy attempting to outpitch the other. It was a skill like no other and some mastered it well. If there was a gathering of boys anywhere, most likely a game of marble was being played.

To play the game, draw a circle, setup the marbles in sets within the circle, and then begin to pitch the marbles.

Marbles

Playing marbles

Hopscotch

Hopscotch was the game for the girls. A hopscotch had to be hand drawn using chalk onto the ground. The squares have to be marked by a number. The design was consistent in terms of how the squares had to be placed on the ground.

Hopscotch

Ring Games

Ring games involve singing and playing and it was a popular after supper activity. The games were mostly played on moonlit nights or early evenings. A popular ring games was "Brown girl in the ring" in which a girl would go to the center of a ring of girls and showcase her talent.

Source: Beth's Lyrics

Morual

This is a game involving a rectangle that is divided into 8. One person uses chalk to draw the rectangle on the ground. There are four sections on one side, and another four sections on the other side. Players use a ball to move through the eight sections of the rectangle. This game is a favorite among young girls.

Pound Stone

This game was played with stones. Each stone had to be carefully selected. The players gathered in a circle with the stones in their hands. Songs were sung and the stones were used to tap to the rhythm of the songs. Whilst singing, the stones were passed around in a circle, starting with the player to the immediate right. The objective of the game was for players to avoid being struck with the stone during the singing and passing of the stones.

Kite Flying

During the Easter season which usually falls in the months of March or April each year, young boys and men enjoy flying kites. Kites are locally made using bamboo flex and string. Open pastures are the safest locations to fly kites away from utility poles and lines.

Egg Hunting

In the last ten years, a tradition from North America has now become part of the Easter season tradition. The hunting of eggs is an activity in which children hunt eggs (painted and decorated eggs) that have been hidden. Children have to find the eggs and place them in their baskets. The winner is the child who finds the most eggs.

Easter Hats Competition

Easter hats competition is a creative activity in which students create and decorate Easter hats. Students explore their creativity by creating unique hats that are displayed for judging. The competition awards the student with the most unique or creative hat.

Sources:

A to Z of Grenada Heritage by John Angus Martin

When the Village was an Extended Family in Grenada by Claude Douglas

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