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What did Children Play?

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Exploring Dutch Heritage Through Research 

Exploring Dutch Heritage Through Research 

What did Children Play?

The Feast of Saint Nicholas, by Dutch painter Jan Steen, 1665

Dutch children celebrate a visit from Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas)..

Although the children of New Netherland worked hard, they also found time for fun and games. Children rolled hoops, played leapfrog, jumped rope, and played ninepins, a form of bowling. Quieter activities included card games, dice, backgammon, and ticktack, a game similar to tic-tac-toe. These amusements were prohibited on Sunday or on Days of Fasting and Prayer. These were quiet days to be spent in church and with their family.

WHAT WAS NEW NETHERLAND?


About New Netherland Institute

For over three decades, NNI has helped cast light on America's Dutch roots. In 2010, it partnered with the New York State Office of Cultural Education to establish the New Netherland Research Center, with matching funds from the State of the Netherlands. NNI is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.