A large number of masks and small toys shaped like animals, such as dragons and lions, have been discovered in several other ruins. Closely linked to the lives of rural people in ancient China, these toys were undoubtedly enjoyed by both children and adults as their contemporary counterparts are enjoying them today. In today's China, masks and statuettes in the shape of historical characters, beasts, and other animals, are still popular among many children.

  Noisy Toys

Toys that produce pleasing, rhythmic sounds have always been favorites among children. While parents sing lullabies and whistle tunes to coax their children to fall asleep, folk toys that make simple soothing sounds are equally effective. Small cymbals, bells and little gongs -- familiar instruments of traditional Chinese folk music -- along with shaking-drums and bird-shaped whistles, are among the most popular and common toys, particularly in rural areas.

Whistles of various kinds are perhaps the most common musical toys. In ancient times, whistles were made and used by hunters. At Tieshan Town in Lushun city, a saddle-shaped pottery whistle dating back to the Neolithic Period has been unearthed, which produces a sharp sound. In later periods, clay cuckoos and other bird-shaped whistles were made. Together with other musical toys, they have been handed down from generation to generation. Today, children on city streets as well as those in the countryside enjoy playing clay and plastic bird whistles.

Another popular musical toy is the bamboo flute. Bamboo can be found everywhere in southern China and musical toys made of bamboo tubes, along with those made of reed pipes, are quite popular. The beautifully sounding bamboo flute, which has several holes drilled into it, can be played horizontally or vertically. As a traditional musical instrument, the flute continues to be widely played by both adults and children. Another traditional wind instrument for children is the sheng, which is made of several reed pipes bound together with an attached mouthpiece. Like the bamboo flute, these reed-pipe instruments have a long history in Chinese culture and are still popular today.

Page:

1

2

3

4