Diabolo Spinning and the Spring Festival

Although diabolos are small, it takes every muscle in the body to manipulate them. Since diabbolo spinning is a good form of exercise and can generate a lot of heat, it is a popular traditional pastime in northern China during cold winter days. During the Spring Festival, the sound of diabolos in Beijing is especially resonant. Sometimes, people compete with each another when playing diabolo to express their jubilation.

The sport is imbued with a strong national flavor. The performer gracefully spins the diabolo rapidly, twirling it around his or her body, throwing it up into the air or even passing it to another player. While spinning the diabolo, players often create interesting poses. China's national orchestral music , coupled with the humming sound of the diabolo, creates a warm and festive atmosphere.

Nowadays, diabolos can still be purchased at the Nanjing Confucius Temple during the Spring Festival, where middle-aged and older people are seen spinning the diabolo and exchanging spinning techniques.