Son Ha : Hidden Shops Along the Metro Lines

A traditional simple game for children worldwide of all ages.

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Hide-and-seek is a traditional game played by children worldwide, involving one player, called the “seeker,” who must find the others after they hide. The game has many variations and is played in different ways across cultures, but the basic rules remain simple and fun for all ages.

How to Play

1. Choosing the Seeker – Players decide who will be the seeker, often through a counting rhyme or a random selection method.
2. Counting – The seeker covers their eyes and counts to a predetermined number (e.g., 10, 20, or 100), giving others time to hide.
3. Hiding – The other players find a place to conceal themselves, trying to stay out of sight.
4. Seeking – Once counting is complete, the seeker searches for the hidden players.
5. Finding and Winning – The seeker tries to locate all players. The last person found is often the winner and may become the seeker in the next round.

Variations of Hide-and-Seek

• Sardines – Instead of multiple hiders, only one person hides. The rest search, and when they find the hider, they squeeze into the hiding spot until only one seeker remains.
• Kick the Can – A mix of hide-and-seek and tag where the seeker guards a can while searching for hidden players. Found players may be freed if an unfound player kicks the can.
• Hide-and-Seek in the Dark – Played at night or in a dark room, adding an extra challenge of low visibility.

Cultural and Historical Background

Hide-and-seek dates back centuries and is played in many countries under different names. Similar games exist in ancient cultures, where hiding and seeking were incorporated into folklore and childhood traditions. Today, it remains a popular pastime and has even been adapted into large-scale events and video games.

Modern Adaptations

Beyond traditional playground settings, hide-and-seek has inspired video games, reality TV shows, and even professional competitions. Some adults organize large-scale versions of the game in urban settings, proving that the joy of hide-and-seek transcends age.

Whether played indoors or outdoors, by children or adults, hide-and-seek continues to be a timeless game enjoyed around the world.