Juggling
Manipulating objects for entertainment, art, or sport.
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Juggling is a physical skill performed by a juggler, involving the manipulation of objects for recreation, entertainment, art, or sport. The most recognizable form is toss juggling, where objects are continuously thrown into the air and caught in a rhythmical pattern.
Juggling can involve one object or many at the same time, most often using one or two hands, but also other body parts such as the feet or head. Jugglers refer to the objects they use as props; the most common are balls, clubs, or rings, though some performers use more dramatic items like knives, fire torches, or chainsaws. The term juggling also commonly encompasses other prop-based manipulation skills, including diabolo, plate spinning, devil sticks, poi, cigar boxes, contact juggling, hooping, yo-yo, hat manipulation, and kick-ups.
The words juggling and juggler derive from the Middle English jogelen ("to entertain by performing tricks"), from Old French jangler, with a Late Latin form joculare meaning "to jest." While the etymology of these terms in the sense of manipulating objects for entertainment dates back to the 11th century, the current meaning—to continually toss objects in the air and catch them—originates from the late 19th century. From the 12th to the 17th century, the terms were most consistently used to describe acts of magic, though some have called the term a lexicographical nightmare due to its confusion with magic. In the 21st century, juggling usually refers to toss juggling.
Ancient to 20th century
The earliest record of juggling is suggested in a panel from the 15th tomb of an unknown Egyptian prince at Beni Hasan (1994 to 1781 B.C.), showing female dancers and acrobats throwing balls. Juggling has been recorded in many early cultures, including Egyptian, Nabataean, Chinese, Indian, Greek, Roman, Norse, Aztec, and Polynesian civilizations. In ancient China, the warrior Xiong Yiliao reportedly juggled nine balls before troops on a battlefield, causing the opposing forces to flee without a fight.
In Europe, juggling was an acceptable diversion until the decline of the Roman Empire, after which it fell into disgrace. During the Middle Ages, religious clerics who wrote most histories accused gleemen who juggled of base morals or witchcraft. Jugglers performed in marketplaces, streets, fairs, or drinking houses, passing a hat for tips.
Quick Facts
- Field
- Physical performance art
- Known for
- Manipulation of objects such as balls
- clubs
- rings
- knives
- fire torches
- or chainsaws
- Earliest record
- 15th century B.C. (Beni Hasan tomb, Egypt)
- Etymology origin
- Middle English jogelen, from Old French jangler, Late Latin joculare
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The earliest record of juggling is suggested in a panel from the 15th century B.C. Beni Hasan tomb of an unknown Egyptian prince, showing female dancers and acrobats throwing balls. In ancient China, warrior Xiong Yiliao reportedly juggled nine balls in front of troops, causing the opposing troops to flee without fighting. Throughout the Middle Ages, religious clerics accused jugglers of base morals or practicing witchcraft. In the 19th century, variety and music hall theatres became popular, and jugglers specialized, separating from sword swallowing and magic.
Rubber processing allowed bounce juggling and ball spinning. In the early to mid-20th century, vaudeville declined due to motion pictures, radio, and television, but jugglers were featured in early TV variety shows. Since the 1980s, a juggling culture has developed around clubs, conventions, and competitions.
Reader's Guide
Juggling has a long history as both a professional performance art and a recreational hobby. Its significance lies in its cross-cultural presence, from ancient Egyptian tombs to modern circus and television. The etymology reflects a shift from general trickery to specific object manipulation. The development of rubber balls in the 19th century enabled new techniques like bounce juggling.
The 20th century saw juggling adapt to vaudeville, then television, and later a resurgence as a hobby with clubs and conventions worldwide. Juggling today encompasses many prop-based skills, including diabolo, plate spinning, and contact juggling. Its legacy includes a vibrant community of hobbyists and professionals, with conventions serving as hubs for skill-sharing and performance. Juggling remains a visually complex and physically challenging feat that combines abstract patterns and mind-body coordination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Juggling?
Juggling is a physical performance art built around the rhythmic manipulation of objects in the air. It serves as recreation, entertainment, fine art, and competitive sport, making it one of the oldest forms of physical expression known to humans.
What is Juggling known for?
The art keeps multiple items aloft in continuous, repeating patterns using balls, clubs, rings, knives, fire torches, or even chainsaws. Its most recognizable style, toss juggling, relies on a steady throw-and-catch rhythm to maintain the pattern.
Where does the word 'juggling' come from?
The term traces back through Middle English 'jogelen' and Old French 'jangler' to the Late Latin 'joculare,' which carried the general sense of performing for amusement. The etymology reflects how the art was always tied to play and spectacle.
More in Performing Arts & Crafts
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Juggling (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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