Where did the game "Simon Says" come from?
"Simon Says" is a classic children’s game that has been a staple of playgrounds and party games for generations. The game is simple: one player, "Simon," gives commands starting with "Simon says," and the other players must follow the commands. If Simon gives a command without saying "Simon says," the players should not follow it. The goal is to avoid getting caught not following a command that doesn’t start with "Simon says."
The Origins of "Simon Says"
The origins of "Simon Says" are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the late 19th or early 20th century in Europe or North America. One theory is that the game was inspired by the French game "Pierre fait" (Pierre says), which was played in the 19th century. Another theory is that the game was created by a British teacher, Simon, who used the game to teach children to follow instructions.
Early References to "Simon Says"
The first written reference to "Simon Says" was found in a 1920s children’s book, "The Game Book" by Mary Reed. The book includes a description of the game, which suggests that it was already popular at the time. Other early references to the game can be found in children’s books and magazines from the 1930s and 1940s.
The Evolution of "Simon Says"
Over the years, "Simon Says" has evolved and changed. In the early 20th century, the game was often played with a physical "Simon" figure, such as a stuffed animal or a doll. Later, the game became more abstract, with one player taking on the role of Simon without a physical representation.
Why "Simon Says" is So Popular
So, why has "Simon Says" remained so popular for so long? There are several reasons:
- Social Interaction: "Simon Says" is a game that encourages social interaction and teamwork. Players work together to follow Simon’s commands, and the game provides a sense of community and camaraderie.
- Cognitive Development: The game helps children develop their cognitive skills, such as listening, following instructions, and making quick decisions.
- Physical Activity: "Simon Says" is a physically active game that encourages players to move around and get exercise.
- Fun and Humor: The game is simply fun and entertaining, with its silly commands and playful atmosphere.
Modern Variations of "Simon Says"
In recent years, "Simon Says" has evolved to include new variations and twists. Some popular modern variations include:
- Reverse Simon Says: In this version, players must follow commands that don’t start with "Simon says."
- Freeze Simon Says: In this version, players must freeze in place when Simon says "freeze" and then resume playing when Simon says "unfreeze."
- Music Simon Says: In this version, Simon gives commands to music, such as "Simon says touch your toes" or "Simon says jump up and down."
Conclusion
"Simon Says" is a classic children’s game that has been a staple of playgrounds and party games for generations. The game is simple, yet effective, and has been enjoyed by children and adults alike. Whether played in its traditional form or with modern variations, "Simon Says" is a game that encourages social interaction, cognitive development, physical activity, and fun and humor.