ContributorCommunity HistoryDescriptionA toy skipping rope with wooden handles.CollectionChildhood DaysDate createdc1960Historical details
Skipping ropes (or jump ropes) are used for recreational play, for keeping fit, and as a competitive sport. There are multiple theories about where and when skipping ropes originated.
The history of rope skipping is varied: some people claim that it was invented by the Egyptians in 1600 BCE; others that Chinese rope makers invented it as part of their New Year’s celebrations and called it the Hundred Rope Jumping game, or Jumping 100 Threads; or that the Japanese army were using skipping as part of their fitness regime 2000 years ago. Claims of its more recent history include that in the 16th century explorers observed Indigenous peoples jumping over vines, and that in the 17th century, European children were observed using skipping ropes.
During the 20th century, skipping ropes was a popular pastime for children, and you would often see groups of children skipping during school break times, as well as before and after school, and often in the street. Skipping to rhymes was common, and some rhymes date back hundreds of years. Many Australian primary school children still participate in Jump Rope for Heart, which is an initiative by the National Heart Foundation to promote the cardiovascular health benefits of skipping.
