WORLD ROCK PAPER SCISSORS DAY
Every year on August 27th, World Rock Paper Scissors Day celebrates the iconic hand game. It’s also a day to play Rock Paper Scissors just for fun or to settle a dispute.
Rock Paper Scissors is considered the oldest hand game in the world. In fact, the game dates all the way back to the Chinese Han Dynasty. This era began in 206 BC and ended in 220 AD. There are also accounts of this game in Japanese history. The earliest versions of this game consisted of a slug, snake, and frog. Rocks, papers, and scissors were used in a later version of the game developed in the 17th century. It wasn’t until the 1920’s that the popular Asian hand game made its way to Great Britain. In 1932, an article in the New York Times described the rules of Rock Paper Scissors.
Throughout the years, many people have developed strategies to win Rock Paper Scissors. Some people who lose the first round switch to using the thing their opponent used to beat them. Others lean on statistics to help them win. These people throw each thing one-third of the time.
Here are the exact statistics for how often each thing is played:
- Rock – 35.4 percent
- Paper – 35.0 percent
- Scissors – 29.6 percent
A few of the objects have been tied to cultural stereotypes. For example, aggressive or angry people will most likely play the rock. If you’re playing against an aggressive person, playing paper gives you a better shot at winning. Women are most likely to throw scissors and men throw rocks more often.
HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldRockPaperScissorDay
On this day, people around the world are encouraged to play a game or Rock Paper Scissors. If you are having a dispute with someone, use this game to settle it. Just remember, Rock smashes Scissors, Scissors cuts Paper, and Paper covers Rock.
Here are some other ways to participate:
- Compete in a Rock Paper Scissors Tournament
- Teach your kids how to play Rock Paper Scissors
- Learn more about the history of Rock Paper Scissors
- Read the book, The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors by Drew Daywalt
Spread awareness for this fun day on social media with #WorldRockPaperScissorsDay
WORLD ROCK PAPER SCISSORS DAY HISTORY
The World Rock Paper Scissors Association in Ottawa, Ontario created this day in 2014. Their goal was to encourage as many people as possible to play this game for fun, as well as in the decision-making process. World Rock Paper Scissors Day is a way to celebrate the only game, that regardless of language, gender, or age, everyone has a chance to win.
