Hanetsuki - traditional Japanese badminton game
In Japan, hanetsuki is a traditional game played with hagoita, beautifully decorated wooden paddles. Originally, players used hagoita to hit the shuttlecock, with the belief that it would ward off bad luck in the new year. Today, hagoita have become popular decorations, sold at fairs from mid-December to early January.
Hagoita are often 3D patterns made from silk, washi paper or wood, depicting geisha, kabuki actors, sumo wrestlers, or even celebrities and cartoon characters. Special versions may be decorated with gold leaf.
At shrines, hagoita stalls are always bustling with vendors, synchronized clapping, or excited calls.
Yunnori - traditional Korean board game
In Korea, yunnori is a traditional board game popular during the Lunar New Year. It is played between two teams, using four special sticks to decide how to move on the board. Similar to playing board games at Christmas in the West, yunnori brings a fun and family-friendly atmosphere.
In addition to yunnori, Korean children also enjoy seesaw jumping (neolttwigi) and arrow throwing (tuho), while adults often participate in lively card games (hwatu). These games have become an indispensable part of the New Year festival in the kimchi country.
Hoo Hey How - Chinese game of "crab, shrimp, fish, gourd"
Hoo Hey How, also known as “gourd, crab, shrimp, fish, and gourd,” is a popular dice game in China during the Lunar New Year. Players bet on symbols such as fish, shrimp, crab, rooster, coin, and gourd, then wait for the result when the dice are rolled.
If the guess is correct, the player wins, bringing with him the belief that this game brings fortune and luck. With simple gameplay and no special skills required, Hoo Hey How is an ideal entertainment activity for family and friends gatherings during the festival.
These traditional games are not only entertainment activities but also reflect the cultural characteristics of each country, contributing to enriching the Tet atmosphere in Asia.
