The history of Chinese acrobatics can be traced back to the Neolithic Age. People in ancient times often amused themselves during leisure hours or expressed their joy at the success of hunting expeditions by demonstrating skills acquired through hunting or combating wild animals. Related activities evolved into the earliest art form of acrobatics over time.
According to experts, the first objects used in Chinese acrobatics were boomerangs made of hard wood and shaped like a cross. Hunters in primitive society used boomerangs to kill birds and animals. The action of air caused boomerangs to return to the spot from where they were thrown. The instruments were often used as props in performances in primitive society.
Many acrobatic performances were in fact created on the basis of daily life, productive labor and combat skills used in hunting. Boomerang throwing is performed even today during the Nadam Fair, a traditional annual fair held in Inner Mongolia. Amongst other things, the events feature sports activities such as horse racing, wrestling and boomerang throwing. The participant who throws the instrument the furthest distance and hits the target most accurately wins the latter event.
Boomerang throwing has undergone artistic treatment over the years and evolved into a wondrous and popular acrobatic performance in China.
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