The Paternoster Game, sometimes spelled "Paternoster" with an "a," is a traditional children's game played in Europe. The name "Paternoster" comes from the Latin word for "Our Father," referring to the prayer that begins "Our Father, who art in heaven." In terms of pronunciation, "Paternoster" is pronounced /ˈpætərnɒstər/ in IPA phonetics. The stress is on the second syllable, and the "o" is pronounced as the "ah" sound in "father." The final "er" is pronounced similarly to the "-er" at the end of "water."
A paternoster game is a traditional gambling game that originated in Europe and is typically played with a large wooden frame or board. The game consists of a series of numbered holes or compartments arranged in a circular pattern. It is often designed to resemble a mill or staircase.
The objective of the paternoster game is to roll one or more small balls or marbles into the compartments and aim to score points based on the numbered values assigned to each compartment. The players take turns rolling the balls, usually with a stick or cue, and attempt to navigate them into the desired compartments.
The numbered values assigned to each compartment may vary, but typically higher scores are awarded for compartments located farther away from the starting point. Some versions of the game may also include special compartments that offer additional scoring opportunities or penalties.
Paternoster games are usually played in a social setting, such as taverns or fairgrounds, and can provide entertainment for both participants and spectators. The game requires a level of skill and precision to successfully roll the balls into the desired compartments, making it both challenging and competitive.
While paternoster games have diminished in popularity in recent years, they hold a historical significance as a traditional form of gambling and social activity. Today, they can often be found in antique collections or museums, showcasing the craftsmanship and design of these unique gaming devices.
The word "paternoster game" derives from Latin and Middle English origins.
The term "paternoster" comes from the Latin phrase "Pater Noster", which means "Our Father" and refers to the Lord's Prayer in Christianity. In medieval times, the recitation of the Lord's Prayer (the "Pater Noster") became associated with the use of prayer beads or rosaries, which were commonly used by monks and laypeople alike.
The game itself was a type of bead game, known in Middle English as "paternosterer", which was played using a string of beads or a small pendant known as a "paternoster". Each bead or pendant represented a prayer in the Lord's Prayer, and the player would move their finger or a marker along the string, reciting the prayers and counting their progress.