Throwing Embroidered Balls

Throwing embroidered balls is a traditional sports activity of the Zhuang ethnic group in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. It first appeared on the Huashan rock painting 2,000 years ago. Originally it was a bronze weapon that was used for throwing in war and hunting. Later, people changed it into an embroidered ball to throw to each other for entertainment. Now, it is still popular in areas such as Baise, Liuzhou, Nanning, and Hechi in Guangxi as celebrations in traditional festivals such as the Spring Festival, Sanyuesan Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival.

In the past 10 years, the traditional sports project of throwing embroidered balls has been improved by the relevant departments of the Guangxi, which have made it a minority traditional sports competition. There are two kinds of embroidered ball competitions: high-pole embroidered balls throwing and back basket embroidered balls throwing. Throwing embroidered balls can not only improve one's power, flexibility, and speed, but also promotes the spirit of being brave, determined, self-confident, and active.

Embroidered balls are also used as a token expressing love between young boys and girls of the Zhuang people.

High-pole embroidered balls throwing players in competition. [Photo/Xinhua]

A female team member picks up the embroidered ball with her back basket. [Photo/Xinhua]