American and Chinese cultures share some commonalities, and one of them is their inclination to toys. Now you might think this is just child's play, but toys play a great role in China's deep history and rich culture. They educate children on life's moral lessons, introduce them to history and the arts, and symbolize the country's aesthetic value.

There are two categories of ancient Chinese toys. One category is ornamental toys. The diverse variety of these toys acts as decorations or adornments. They can be seen on lanterns, homes, and even on people where they are used as decorative additions to clothing. The other category falls under functional toys, which are designed (being toys after all) to be played with, and for recreation. Both ornamental and functional toys are available and can be seen not only here in America, but also in different parts of the world. But most of them are no longer in their simple or sometimes complex presentation.

Moving on, let's learn about the 4 main types of Chinese toys namely carved toys, sound-making toys, puzzles, and even those that are edible. These toys make an excellent tool for educating school children and even your friends about the rich and remarkable history of China.

1) Carved toys. These are just ornamental toys--carved toys are for decorations. They are sometimes shaped like animals such as dragons and lions, and other historical characters. Ancient artisans made them from natural materials such as bamboo, stones, roots, and nuts. Other similar artworks are porcelain and wax, painted eggshells, clay moldings, cloth and paper collages. In whatever way they are shaped or made, carved toys are truly objects of beauty.

2) Sound-making toys. Music has been a huge part of our daily lives, especially for the Chinese who have considered music as a vital part of their culture and civilization. Their love for music have inspired the Chinese to create toys such as whistles made from porcelain and clay, cymbals, bells and gongs, rattle drums, and bamboo flutes.

3) Puzzles. Chinese gives great emphasis and importance in the development of one's knowledge, so they came up with different puzzle games. The jigsaw puzzle and puzzle rings have both astounded and at the same time baffled Western mathematicians.

4) Edible Toys. These toys serve the purpose of both the need to eat and play. In some Chinese regions flour and sugar are used as raw materials, coming up with steamed animal figures and various patterns children enjoy.

These traditional toys continue to play a major role in contemporary Chinese culture, and even up to this modern time. These toys are for the young and the young at heart. They are a unique expression of the long and ceaseless Chinese history and culture.

Playing with these ancient Chinese toys reconnects us with the past, and gives us absolute delight because of their uniqueness and amusing appeal. Fortunately, more and more American businesses today are starting to invest on these fun Chinese toys and have made them available for sale in retail and online stores.

Brian Sutherland has been a pro magician since the late 1980s. He now coaches new magicians trying to learn street magic and shows them the secrets of strolling magician--come check out his site to find out more this moment.

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