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Steps to the String Game Tree Hole

String games are traditional games often played with a hand and string. These games are used to tell stories, since the string can move in different directions on the hand and create different images. Cat's Cradle, Jacob's Ladder, the Cup and Saucer, and Tree Hole are some of the most prominent string games from around the world. Tree Hole is also known as The Moon Gone Dark or Sun.

The Tree Hole String Figure
- The center of the figure looks like a hole in a tree.
  
  The goal of the Tree Hole String game is to create a star-shaped string with one end siting on each thumb and one on each baby finger. In the center of the string is a hole with a circle of string around it. This looks like a hole in a tree.
  
  The Murungu people of Zaire also use this string game, according to "String Figure Magazine." They begin it with a full, round moon that has several loops of string, then move to the tree hole with a single string around the hole, making the moon go dark.
Opening
- You can start the game in a number of ways. One of the easiest ways is to have the loops on the thumb, index finger and baby finger of each hand. This creates some space in the middle to move the loops around. Twist the string once between the thumb and index finger and once between the index finger and baby finger to create three loops.
Making the Sun, Moon or Hole Image
- After the opening, take the loops of string off your index fingers and turn them halfway towards you. Place them back on your fingers.
  
  Put your thumbs through the loops of string on the index finger, then make sure the string is still on the fingers.
  
  Move the loop of string on your baby fingers down through the loop on your index fingers. You can use your thumbs to help move the loop through.
  
  Release the string on your index fingers and you will create the tree hole, sun or moon image in the center.

Kids Games