Quaker meeting (game) facts for kids
Quaker Meeting, also known as Quaker's meeting or sometimes Cracker's Meeting in the American South, is a fun and quiet game for children. It starts with a special rhyme and then becomes a challenge to see who can stay completely still without speaking, laughing, or even smiling! One player is in charge of the "meeting" and tries to make the others break the rules by telling jokes or acting silly. If someone laughs or smiles, they are "out" of the game.
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What is Quaker Meeting?
Quaker Meeting is a type of quiet game where players must control their reactions. The main goal is to remain silent and serious, no matter what the leader does. It's a test of self-control and a way to have fun without making a lot of noise. This game is great for groups and can be played almost anywhere.
How to Play Quaker Meeting
To start the game, everyone sits together, and one person is chosen as the leader. The leader then says a special rhyme to begin the "meeting." Once the rhyme is finished, the rules are in effect: no talking, no laughing, and no smiling.
The leader's job is to try and make the other players react. They might tell funny stories, make silly faces, or act out comical scenes. The other players must try their hardest to keep a straight face and stay completely silent. If a player accidentally speaks, laughs, or smiles, they are usually out of the game or have to pay a small "forfeit," like doing a funny dance or making a silly sound (but only after the game is over!). The last person to remain serious and quiet wins the round.
Different Rhymes for Quaker Meeting
There are many different rhymes people use to start a Quaker Meeting. They all set the rules for the game. Here are some common versions:
- Quaker meeting has begun.
- No more laughing, no more fun.
- If you show your teeth or tongue,
- you must pay a forfeit.
Another popular rhyme goes like this:
- Quaker meeting has begun,
- no more talking, no more fun.
- no more chewing chewing gum.
- starting now...
In the American South, where there are fewer Quakers (a religious group known for quiet meetings), the game is sometimes called "Cracker's Meeting." The rhyme for this version often changes to:
- Cracker's meeting has begun.
- No more laughing, no more fun.
- If you smile or show your teeth,
- you'll be punished for a week.
No matter which rhyme is used, the fun of the game comes from trying to make your friends laugh without laughing yourself!
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