Ear pull facts for kids
The ear pull is a traditional Inuit game or sport. It tests how well players can handle pain and how strong they are. This game helped prepare young Inuit for the tough life in the Arctic.
Contents
What is the Ear Pull?
The ear pull is a special game from the Inuit people. It is a way to show how strong and tough you are. It helps players learn about their own limits and how much they can endure.
How Do You Play Ear Pull?
Two players sit facing each other. They interlock their legs so they are stable. A loop of strong string, about two feet long, is used. It's like a thick, waxy dental floss. This string is looped behind one ear of each player. For example, it might connect their right ear to the other player's right ear.
The players then pull away from each other using their ears. The game continues until the string comes off one player's ear. Or, one player might give up because of the pain.
Why Do People Play Ear Pull?
The ear pull is one of many traditional Inuit games. These games were important for training children. They helped kids get ready for the very cold and challenging Arctic environment. The games focused on building physical strength and endurance. They also helped people understand their own limits and how much they could push themselves.
Is Ear Pull Safe?
The ear pull can be a very tough game. Sometimes, players might get small injuries. For example, their ear might bleed a little. Because of this, some Arctic sports competitions have stopped including the ear pull. This is to keep players safe and because some people watching might find it a bit uncomfortable to see.
The Inuit ear pull game is a harsh test of physical endurance....[in which] a thin loop of leather is positioned behind the ears of each of two competitors who then pull away from each other until one gives up in pain.
