Diabolo, known as Hu knock, Kongzhong, Kongzheng in ancient times, is commonly known as humzi, ringing bell, rotating bell, old cow, boring gourd, wind gourd, ringing gourd, Tianlei father-in-law, etc. It is a traditional folk toy of the Han nationality. .

Diabolo has a long history in China. According to research, diabolo first evolved from the "spinning top", a folk game tool of the Han nationality. Tops are toys that have appeared in ancient times. Wooden tops were unearthed from the Neolithic Hemudu Cultural Site and Changzhou Weidun Site, while pottery tops were unearthed from the Xiyin Village Site in Xia County, Shanxi.

Later, in order to extend the spinning time of the top, people used whips to whip these wooden or ceramic tops; later, bamboo tops were used, with openings on them to use air impact to make whistles. That is, "Sounding Top". Later, "Sounding Top" gradually became known as "Diabolo".

Extended information:

Development of diabolo

In the Qing Dynasty, the method of shaking diabolo gradually matured. Li Hongruo, a native of the Qing Dynasty, said in "Chao Shi Cong Zai": "Diabolo. Every time there is a temple gathering, shake the diabolo with a rope, throw it several feet high, and still use the rope to catch it, and practice various postures." He also said: "Bear Puppet" They were noisy with each other, running on land boats dripping with sweat, fluttering diabolos into the clouds, and thousands of people stood on the edge of the ditch with their backs on their backs."

In addition, diabolo shaking has also become a means for street vendors to attract business. Sun Dianqi said in "Liulichang Xiaozhi": "Diabolo is also known as an empty bell. It can shake out various patterns. Everyone who sets up a stall is good at this skill, so as to attract people." Diabolo was also welcomed by women in the palace.

A poem by an unknown person in the Qing Dynasty called "Playing with Diabolo" also wrote: "In the Shangyuan Dynasty, we had a banquet at Yuxi Palace, where we sang, danced and enjoyed ourselves. The concubine was proud of her good skills and came to shake the air in person." The original note says: "In the air, it is one of the playthings. Dance close to the capital, during the New Year, and all the princes, grandsons, and concubines who are good at it will do it. There are also many concubines in the palace. The dance styles include 'kites turning over, flying swallows into the clouds, and ringing pigeons'. Bell wait'".

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