As you celebrate the holidays, maybe you and your friends are enjoying a few rounds of the very popular game of Mahjong. I have recently started to play and I am amazed at the level of skill and strategy involved in this game. It will take considerable time to learn all the rituals and nuances of the game, but it’s fun and a great way to meet people.
Mahjong, is a tile-based game developed in the the mid-1800’s in southern China. The word itself means “sparrow” referring to the bird-like clacking sound the 144 tiles make while shuffling them. By the way, It only took 83 tiles to create the tree on the left. The game became quite the fad in the 1920’s, leading to the creation of the National Mahjongg League (NMJL) in New York City. There are many versions of the game and I look forward to learning all about them when Santa, hopefully, leaves Annelise Heinz new book “Mahjong: A Chinese Game and the Making of Modern American Culture” under the tree.
I have already learned that there are many superstitions associated with playing Mahjong. Some tiles, like the “one dot” is considered bad luck. Some players are particular about what seat they take, in accordance with the principles of feng shui. But my favorite lesson refers to the flower suit of tiles and new learners are told to “save the flowers”. That is good advice for mahjong and life! As we celebrate this special time of year, I hope you and your loved ones create memories that are flowers that you will hold dear for a long time.
The dedicated professionals of the VIP Realty Group Sanibel wish you a wonderful Holiday season! They are available throughout the holidays to assist you in your search for your special home on the beautiful islands of Sanibel and Captiva. Come see our flowers….and our shells…… anytime!
VIP Realty, 1560 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL (239.472.5187)
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