To mak le is a beloved traditional folk game that holds deep cultural significance within the Thai ethnic community in Son La province.

Handed down through generations, it has become a unique and enduring cultural expression. During festivals, Tet celebrations, cultural events, community solidarity days, housewarmings, or weddings, people come together to play to mak le, strengthening communal bonds.

In the Thai language, “to” means to hit or strike, while “mak le” refers to a round, dark brown, sturdy seed from a type of wild climbing plant found in forests.

The fruit is about 30 centimeters long and contains four to five seeds with hard shells.

The game is easy to learn and open to all, regardless of age or gender. It can be played on flat ground or even under stilt houses. The more players and supporters involved, the more festive the atmosphere becomes.

To play, participants first arrange mak le seeds in a straight row. Three lines are drawn on the ground: the first is the starting line from where players shoot; the second is close to the row of seeds and marks the boundary line; the third is the target line, placed one or two meters beyond the row depending on players' age and skill level, with shorter distances for younger participants.

Each team selects one larger, thicker seed as the mak le “king” to shoot with. The game typically involves two teams and follows four sequential steps.

In the first step, a player places the “king” seed on their knee and uses their thumb to flick it toward the opposing team’s seed row, aiming for a hit and for it to land past the target line.

In the second step, the player throws the “king” seed from the starting line towards the opposing seed row. Wherever it lands becomes the new shooting point. The player then squats and flicks the seed from their knee again, aiming to cross the target line.

In the third step, the seed is placed on the top of the player’s foot, who then hops while trying to kick the seed into the opponent’s seed row and beyond the target line.

In the final step, the player tosses the seed to mark a spot near the boundary, then flicks the “king” seed from that point past the target line.

The team that completes all four steps first wins. If a player fails a step, a teammate can step in to "rescue" by completing the task for them.

The game continues joyfully with cheers, drumbeats, and gongs echoing in the air, welcoming all ages to join in the fun.

Although not a game of brute strength, to mak le demands precision, dexterity, endurance, and attention to detail. Today in Son La province, the Thai community continues to preserve this game as a key feature in local festivals and ethnic cultural events.

It offers a meaningful way to promote traditional identity and pass on heritage to younger generations, contributing to the preservation and celebration of ethnic cultural values.

PV