18.3 C
Cape Town
Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Dominoes – A cherished tradition

Published on

 

One of the cherished traditions among students at the University of the Western Cape is to play the game dominoes. Even when I was at the University of Stellenbosch, in the early 1990’s, dominoes was a popular game to play during your lunch time or other breaks.

 

Student Tatum Baugaard says, “Dominoes is not just a game but part of my culture.”

 

Meanwhile, a Communications Officer at UWC, Carmel Roberts says the university is not just a place of academic pursuit but also a vibrant hub for cultural and social interaction.

 

A cherished tradition

 

Playing dominoes is one of the most cherished traditions among students.

 

A cherished tradition among UWC-students

 

She says throwing domino bricks is a rite of passage at the tertiary institution.

Roberts adds, “This game, rich in cultural significance and community bonding, echoes through the halls and outdoor spaces of the University, especially in the Student Centre.”

With the second semester in full swing on campus, so is the rivalry between domino teams. Roberts says as the music and laughter filter through the centre, so does the knocking of domino bricks.

A prominent tradition among students

Roberts says many students at their institution share a similar story: learning to play dominoes in their family backyards, usually during family gatherings.

A cherished tradition among UWC-students

She says for many coloured students, dominoes are a family tradition, a game learned by watching older family members play with stealth and skill.

 

MORE ABOUT: How competitive are you?

 

The Domino Effect at UWChttp://[LISTEN] Board Games: How competitive are you?

 

This tradition carries over to university life, where dominoes become a means of connecting with fellow students and making new friends.

 

Student Kwanele Makhaba says the game not only helps him unwind but also helps him make friends and build relationships.

Makhaba added they play the game every chance they get.

 

Dominoes is a blend of tradition, social interaction and strategic play

 

He says when there’s a break for 45 minutes, they converge on the Student Centre, to play and even though they love to play a lot, playing the game will not stop them from attending classes or doing their work.

A cherished tradition among UWC-students

According to Britannica, dominoes originated in China in the 10th century. The article revealed, “Western dominoes were first recorded in the mid-18th century in Italy and France and were apparently introduced into England by French prisoners toward the end of the 18th century.

Roberts concluded, “Dominoes at UWC is a blend of tradition, social interaction, and strategic play. It’s a game that entertains and builds community, sharpens minds and upholds a rich cultural legacy.”

A cherished tradition among UWC-students

They are most commonly used for playing positional games. In positional games, each player, in turn, places a domino edge to edge against another in such a way that the adjacent faces are either identical (e.g., 5 to 5) or form some specified total.”

A cherished tradition among UWC-students

 

READ MORE: The Pursuit of Dominoes at UWC

Merentia Van Der Vent
Merentia Van Der Vent
Merentia joined the media world in 1996 and in 2001, she took her first steps in the broadcasting world. In her free time, she likes to go on adventures in the city. She also likes to learn new dances, not that she is any good at that.

Latest articles

Twenty bicycles were handed over to use in the fight against GBV

  Twenty bicycles were handed over to use in the fight against GBV. Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku says the handing over of the...

Two learners from the Western Cape won two medals at an International Science Fair

  Two learners from the Western Cape won two medals at an International Science Fair. Western Cape Education MEC, David Maynier has lauded the learners...

The Cape Town SVNS tournament is back in town

    The Cape Town SVNS tournament is back in town and you are invited to be part of history and to attend the biggest party...