by Debby Dyess

Created on: June 07, 2009

Some parts of human development seem universal; written language, weapon development, legal systems and certain common myths all appeared in similar time periods, but with no cultural interaction. They seem to be destined to be a part of the human experience.

To that list add 'jumping rope'.

While this game-turned-sport may seem trivial compared with other landmarks in humankind, it is one of the earliest recorded games. Dating back to approximately 1600 BC, rope jumping seems to have developed simultaneously in several regions around the world.

Originally a man's game, jumping rope developed the skills early man needed to protect and support his family - agility, hand-eye coordination, speed and endurance were all important to gathering food, hunting, and fighting. Consequently, jumping rope may have been an early form of physical training to defend and provide the community.

As communities developed and people focused on specific functions, different jobs continued to encourage rope jumping. Working in vineyards, making rope and even weaving nets for fishing kept man in the rope-jumping arena. And it is quiet likely that, as children grew up watching family members work and took up the mantle themselves, or were accepted into apprentice situations, more people were exposed to jumping rope. An enjoyable part of the day, jump rope moved from the workplace to the home and evolved into a game.

In ancient Egypt, Australia and China, and in medieval Europe, jumping rope was a common pastime. Each culture had its own tools and technique, although each was similar. Egyptians used the abundance of vines in their country as jumping material. Australian aborigines took advantage of their many bamboo trees, developing a game very similar to jump rope by leaping over moving poles. In China, ropes were braided for the game. Medieval European children used hoops, alternately rolling and jumping through this game piece.

The game came to North America via European settlers, probably the Dutch. It became a fast and permanent part of American culture, thriving in schoolyards everywhere for decades. Particularly popular in the 1940's and 1950's, jumping rope has now taken its place among national competitive sports.

Jumping rope has come a long way since the days of vines and hoops. Ropes are now made of plastic, leather, cloth and vinyl. Ropeless jumping is the newest thing to make its way into this game's long history. This device has adjustable weight handles, a computer to count jumps and calories burned and a 'coach' to encourage you. What is doesn't have is a rope - no tangling, no space requirements, just the fun of 'jumping'.

Part of the human experience for more than 3200 years, jumping rope is a commonality for us all. Who knows where it will go from here?

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