Taq Taq Taqiyah is one of the traditional games in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, commonly played among children. It features a unique chant, which gives the game its name, recited by children during play.
How to play the game
A group of children participates in this game, gathering in a large circle. One child runs outside the circle, taking quick steps, chanting "Taq Taq Taqiyah." The children in the circle respond with "Ran Ran ya Jaras" (Ring, ring, oh bell). The child outside continues with 'Mohammed Rakeb al-Faras' (Mohammed riding a horse), to which the others respond with 'Taq Taqiyah.' The runner then says 'al-Tha'alab Fat Fat' (the fox passed by), and the others reply, 'Fi Zaylu Saba' Laffat' (with seven folds in its tail). The game continues this way until the runner secretly drops an object behind one of the children in the circle while chanting. If the runner completes the round and returns to the spot where the object was dropped without the seated child noticing it, the runner is declared the winner and takes the seated child's place. The child who fails to notice the object then becomes the runner, repeating the process to find a new spot.
If one of the children notices the object behind them, they must quickly get up and chase the running child to catch them before they reach the empty spot.
Game requirements
The game requires quick reflexes, a group of children, a suitable space, and a light object that can be easily hidden, typically a cap, Taqiyah, used in traditional attire to cover the head.
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