If you grew up in Jamaica, then you know about the countless games that children would play to entertain themselves.

As the lunch period went on and children had finished eating, you would slowly see the circles being formed and chants being bellowed through the courtyard.

‘Bull inna pen! Yuh cah come out!’ or ‘There’s a brown girl in the ring! Sha la la la la!’

These memories stick with us for life and form a part of our core memory. Ring games are a long standing tradition among kids and even adults in Jamaica.

Though not as popular among kids now, because of technology, these games were the perfect summer activity.

Dandy Shandy

If you were very flexible growing up, Dandy Shandy was your time to shine. Dandy Shandy is considered a girls game but boys will often play- which makes the game a must see. There are usually three people playing but, to add to the fun, even more can join in. Two people stand facing each other with a wide gap between them. In the gap, the other player or players run from one player to another. A ball or juice box stuffed with newspaper is thrown and the aim is to dodge the ball.

Twee Twee Twee

Twee Twee Twee and away we go! This is a game for those with a quick response time. It is usually played with four people and can be a bit confusing for beginners. It is also very confusing to explain, so watch the video above to see how it is played.

Chinese Skip

Chinese Skip is another childhood favourite. To play the game, you will need some patience and a lot of elastic bands. The game is usually played with three or more people inside a regular box created by joining the elastic bands together. While two players form the rectangle with their feet, another jumps in and out the elastic bands, doing various different foot movements throughout. But, they cannot fall or fail any steps. After successfully completing each round, the elastic band is raised to a new height and the same steps repeated.

Marbles

Marbles is another Jamaican classic that is often played among boys but the game can be played by anyone. The game is played with two or more people. A circle is drawn and 10 or more marbles are scattered in the centre. Players will take turns trying to get the marbles inside the circle out of the circle using a different marble. When they do, they get to keep the marble and the person with the most wins.

Bull inna Pen

Bull Inna Pen is a childhood game that would test your strength. It is usually played with a larger group of people whose hands are linked together in a circle. One person is placed inside the circle and they have to try and escape. If successful, the person responsible for releasing ‘the bull’ has to run them down. If they do not catch them, they become the ‘bull’. To watch the game being played click here.

Brown Girl in the Ring

This is another popular ring game that Jamaicans know and love. Usually played in a group, children or adults would gather in a circle as they chant ‘there’s a brown girl in the ring sha la la la la!’ One person would be in the centre of the ring and then they would ‘show me yuh motion’ or dance before picking somebody else to go next.