PERINOLA Meaning and
Definition
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Perinola refers to a traditional Latin American toy and game, also known as a spinning top or teetotum in English. This toy comprises a small wooden or plastic top-like structure, typically crafted with a pointed stem or handle at the bottom to facilitate spinning. The top part usually features four or six flat sides, each containing a printed or engraved symbol or instruction.
The perinola game is played by spinning the top and following the instructions or symbols that it lands on. The symbols may include commands such as "take all," "give one," "skip a turn," or "put one back," among others. These instructions dictate a player's next move or how much they need to contribute to a shared pot.
Depending on regional variations, perinola can be enjoyed individually or in groups, often involving gambling for small stakes. It is commonly considered a game of chance, as the outcome of each spin is unpredictable. The objective is usually to be the first player to reach a set number of points or collect the entire pot.
Perinola is not solely limited to a toy or game. The term is also used more broadly to refer to any spinning top-like device or similar toys found in different cultures worldwide that function on similar principles.
Etymology of PERINOLA
The word "perinola" has its origins in the Spanish language. Its etymology is derived from the Latin word "pila", which means "ball" or "pill". In Spanish, "pila" refers to a type of game involving a top-like spinning object or a ball that is used for various games. Over time, "pila" developed into the word "perinola" in some Spanish-speaking regions, specifically in Latin America and the Canary Islands. The exact reason for the transformation of "pila" to "perinola" is unclear, but it is likely due to regional variations and linguistic evolution. Today, "perinola" primarily refers to a traditional Spanish game played with a small top-like object that has different sides, each with a specific instruction or action.
