British scientists: the game “Rock, Paper, Scissors” came to us from Japanese brothels (3 photos)

Initially it was played for stripping.





Known on all continents, the innocent children's game, which adults do not hesitate to play when resolving frivolous disputes, was used as foreplay in Japanese brothels, says British historian Katie Charlwood.

It was originally a drinking game and came to Japan from China in the 17th century. The rules did not change, but the three hand gestures representing various animals were constantly changing.



Here, for example, is one of the first adaptations of the Chinese game "sansukumi-ken". From left to right: slug, frog and snake. The frog defeats the slug, the slug defeats the snake, and the snake defeats the frog.

At first, the inhabitants of the Land of the Rising Sun used the game for its intended purpose - they played for drinks. But the Japanese were entertainers even then, deciding that it could be used for other entertainment. For example, to undress prostitutes in brothels.

However, the game quickly became popular and went beyond brothels and other evil establishments - adults began to play it with their children.

“It played a huge role in the leisure life of Japanese adults and in the world of children’s games for at least 250 years, but underwent very significant changes when it turned from exotic to ordinary,” write the authors of the book “Japanese Culture through the Lens of Leisure,” which is referenced historian Kathy Charlwood.



Charlwood added that the "scissors" gesture in the Japanese adaptation of the game originally had nothing to do with this sewing utensil, but symbolized cutting off clothing. Well, thanks to the Japanese for a happy childhood.